Hugh Ferriss architectural drawings and papers, 1906-1980, bulk 1918-1960

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Collection context

Creator:
Ferriss, Hugh, 1889-1962
Abstract:
Hugh Ferriss (1889-1962) was an architectural renderer known for his vision of the modern city and his ability to translate vast projects into dramatic but clear-cut images. Ferriss published two books: The Metropolis of Tomorrow (1929) and Power of Buildings (1953). The collection was donated to Avery Library by Ferriss' family after his death, and has been supplemented by several later additions from other sources. 363 original drawings in the collection have been photographed and digitized and can be viewed via links in the finding aid's container listing.
Extent:
440 drawings, 7 manuscript boxes, 6 print boxes, 1 item 4-flap, and 2 boxes small
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection includes Ferriss' architectural renderings of buildings by various architects, circa 1918-1960, including variant designs for the United Nations buildings; the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.; Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; Rockefeller Center in New York; La Guardia Airport in New York; National Airport in Washington, D.C.; the New York Times Building in New York; the 1939-1940 and 1964-1965 World's Fairs in New York; the Chicago Tribune Tower; Hoover Dam; and three Frank Lloyd Wright projects including Fallingwater in Bear Run, Pa., Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the Johnson Wax Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin.

Also included are Ferriss' renderings of imaginary buildings, circa 1920s-1930s, some of which were published in THE METROPOLIS OF TOMORROW (published 1929) and POWER IN BUILDINGS (published 1953). Also included are Ferriss' drawings, 1941, of important buildings in the United States, done as a result of a nation-wide tour sponsored by a Brunner grant from the Architectural League of New York; and related correspondence.

The collection also contains a small collection of archival material include some correspondence with architects and others; talks, including radio talks, and speeches on architecture; photographs of drawings; clippings; a job book, 1922-1961, listing jobs Ferriss undertook; a scrapbook, 1910s-1930s, containing clippings of articles about Ferriss and his work, including reviews of his books; and programs, reviews, catalogs, and correspondence, circa 1920s-1980, relating to exhibits of his work. Also, some personal material including high school yearbook, 1906; undated student work done at Washington University in Saint Louis, Mo., which he attended 1906-1911; and correspondence, diplomas, and photographs.

Biographical / historical:

Hugh Ferriss was born in St. Louis and trained in architecture at Washington University. He moved to New York in 1912 and lived and worked in the city for the remainder of his life. Ferriss worked briefly as an architect for Cass Gilbert before venturing into an independent practice as an architectural renderer in 1915.

Ferriss specialized in drawings visualizing future buildings and cities. He was one of the most sought-after architectural renderers in the first half of the 20th century. Outside his work as an architectural renderer, Ferriss was on the United Nations headquarters planning staff from 1947 to 1950 and served as a member of the New York City Art Commission from 1950 to 1953.

Ferriss died of cancer on January 28, 1962 at New York City's Presbyterian Hospital.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Location of this collection:
300 Avery Hall
1172 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
Contact:
avery-drawings@columbia.edu