Calvert Vaux; Architect & Planner
New York: Ink, Inc., 1994. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Hardcover. The format is approximately 10.125 inches by 12.5 inches. xiii, [1]m, 271, [3] pages. Illustrated dust jacket. Illustrations (some in color). Chronology. Listing of Works. Bibliography. Appendix. Lists of Illustrations and Sources. Index. This is a large, heavy book that if sent outside of the United States will require additional shipping charges. Introduction by George B. Tatum. William Alex was president of the Frederick Law Olmsted Association for over 30 years. Calvert Vaux (1824-1895) was a British-American architect and landscape designer. He is remembered as the co-designer (with Frederick Law Olmsted), of New York's Central Park. In 1857, he became one of the founding members of the American Institute of Architects and published Villas and Cottages, which was an influential pattern book that determined the standards for “Victorian Gothic” architecture. George B. Tatum (1917-2008) was a nationally recognized architectural historian. Calvert Vaux FAIA (December 20, 1824 – November 19, 1895) was an English-American architect and landscape designer. He and his professional partner Frederick Law Olmsted designed parks such as Central Park and Prospect Park in New York City and the Delaware Park–Front Park System in Buffalo, New York. Vaux, on his own and in various partnerships, designed and created dozens of parks across the northeastern United States, most famously in Manhattan. He introduced new ideas about the significance of public parks in America during a hectic time of urbanization. This industrialization of the cityscape inspired Vaux to focus on the integration of buildings, bridges, and other forms of architecture into their natural surroundings. He favored naturalistic and curvilinear lines in his designs. Vaux was a highly-sought after architect until the 1870s, when his modes of design could not endure the country's return to classical forms. His partnership with Andrew Jackson Downing, a major figure in horticulture, landscape design, and domestic architecture, brought him from London to Newburgh, New York, in 1850. There, Downing's praise of Gothic Revival and Italianate architecture contributed to Vaux's personal growth as a designer of homes and landscapes. After Downing's sudden death in 1852, Vaux was left with their assistant Frederick Clarke Withers to continue Downing's legacy. Vaux's name was frequently overshadowed by other designers, such as Olmsted, yet the contemporary American public still recognized his talents. This book is recognized as a key text on Vaux, exploring his career, his partnership with Frederick Law Olmsted, and his contributions to American landscape architecture, including Central Park, Prospect Park, and various parkway systems. The text highlights Vaux as the partner who "virtually created" the profession of landscape architecture alongside Olmsted. Architectural Focus: While Olmsted is often associated with the nature aspect, Vaux brought a crucial architectural eye to Central Park, designing its bridges, buildings, and the overall "scenic illusions". The book covers his work beyond New York, including his role in designing park systems in Buffalo, New York, and his early partnership with Andrew Jackson Downing. The book is considered a scholarly and crucial resource for understanding Vaux's legacy. Condition: Very good / Very good.
Keywords: Domestic Architecture, Landscape Designer, Urban Frederick Law Olmsted, Andrew Jackson Downing, Frederick Clarke Withers, Central Park
ISBN: 9780964065000
[Book #91080]
Price: $125.00