Alexander McMillan Welch architectural drawings and papers, 1886-1937

Collection context

Creator:
Welch, Alexander McMillan, 1869-1943, Welch, Smith & Provot, and Wurts Brothers (Photographers : New York, N.Y.)
Abstract:
Alexander McMillan Welch (1869-1943) was a New York City based architect who practiced independently and as a member of Welch, Smith & Provot. His firm was best known for designing New York City townhouses in the Beaux-Arts style. The collection includes 1,641 architectural drawings, 196 student drawings, 14 student notebooks, 99 loose photographs and 3 photo albums of project photography, project specifications and files, and some professional ephemera.
Extent:
1,838 architectural drawings, 3 manuscript boxes, 4 print boxes, and 3 photo albums
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection included primarily original and reprographic architectural drawings by Alexander McMillian Welch and the firm Welch, Smith & Provost, largely of townhouses located in Manhattan and designed during the 1900s and 1910s (many for the speculative builders of William W. and Thomas M. Hall). The collection also includes some project photography and specifications. In addition to documenting Welch's architectural practice, the collection also documents Welch's architectural training at Columbia's School of Mines from 1888 to 1890, as well as at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1891 and 1892.

Biographical / historical:

Alexander McMillan Welch (1869-1943) was an American architect based in New York City. Welch graduated from the School of Mines at Columbia College in 1890, and later studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Welch practiced independently and as a member of Welch, Smith & Provot. The firm was best known for designing New York City townhouses in the Beaux-Arts style. Welch designed townhouses and other properties for speculative developers William W. Hall and Thomas M. Hall. Welch also served as a consulting architect for restoration projects for historic sites, including the Dutch Colonial Dyckman House in Manhattan's Inwood neighborhood.

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