Ernest Flagg papers, 1888-1972
Collection context
- Creator:
- Flagg, Ernest, 1857-1947
- Abstract:
- Ernest Flagg was an American architect in the Beaux-Arts style. The collection is made up of diaries, correspondence, photographs, project records, Flagg's writings, and clippings.
- Extent:
- 5 document boxes and 217 drawings
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The collection is made up of diaries, correspondence, photographs, project records, Flagg's writings, and clippings.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Ernest Flagg (February 6, 1857 – April 10, 1947) was born in Brooklyn, New York. He married Margaret E. Bonnell, with whom he had one daughter, Betsey Flagg. A student of l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Flagg's work refers to classical architecture.
After completing his studies, in 1891, Flagg and John Prentiss Benson started Flagg & Benson, (later Flagg, Benson & Brockway), and the firm designed St. Luke's Hospital, in New York.
In 1894, Ernest Flagg went into a partnership with Walter B. Chambers to form Flagg & Chambers. Together, the two designed the Corcoran Gallery of Arts in Washington, D.C., and the Singer Building, which was once the tallest building in New York. Flagg, a favorite of the Scribner family, designed the Scribner Building on Fifth Avenue, as well as residences for Charles Scribner, and his son, A.H. Scribner. Flagg is also known for designing buildings for the U.S. Naval Academy, and many residences in New York and Connecticut.
The Beaux-Arts study of classicism did not stop after college for Flagg. His Greek travel journals include studies on proportions and ratios in classic Greek architecture, and were the basis for Le Naos du Parthenon, published in 1928.
As a writer in the progressive era, Flagg wrote on New York tenement houses, taxation, city planning, and building regulations. He also wrote prolifically on design, architecture, and specifically on Greek classicism.
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.
- Terms of access:
-
Permission to publish must be obtained in writing from the Director, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, 1172 Amsterdam Ave., MC 0301, New York, NY 10027.
- Preferred citation:
-
Ernest Flagg architectural records and papers, 1888-1972. Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
- Location of this collection:
- 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