European architecture: a historical study

Russell Sturgis architectural drawings and papers 3460587Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library

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This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-10-16 18:39:43 -0400.Description is written in: English, Latin script.Describing Archives: A Content Standard2007-10-15File created.2009-07-23File revised.2019-05-20EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration. Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Russell Sturgis architectural drawings and papers Sturgis, Russell, 1836-1909 Olcott, Dudley Sturgis, Lyman Benrimo, Tom, 1887-1958 Chambrun, Jacques England, George Allan, 1877-1936 Gibbons, Herbert Adams, 1880-1934 Phillips, Frances L Winwar, Frances, 1900-1985 Architectural League of New York Architectural League of New York Beacon Syndicate Century Company 3460587 English . 2 manuscript boxes 1847-1932 Arrangement

Materials are arranged in four series: Lectures; Photographs; Olcott Papers-Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank; and Lyman Sturgis Correspondence. Series I contains materials received grouped in envelopes based on where the lectures were given. The envelopes did not appear to be in any particular order. The material is now arranged in chronological order, as best it could be determined, often referring to what appeared to be Sturgis' own dating after the fact, as indicated by his question marks or "I think" annotations. This chronological ordering does not much change the received arrangement of the material. The collection inventory describes the subject of each item in what appears to be the words of Sturgis, as indicated by quotation marks, or with a few descriptive words supplied by the archivist. Each item had been numbered in either the upper or lower right corner, corresponding to the numbering noted in the inventory. All dates are taken from either the lecture or the corresponding envelope. An exception to the chronological order is the House Lectures. Since it is unknown what "House" refers to, and although the materials spans two years, the archivist has chosen to place the materials together as items 2 through 6. The slide lists or notes accompanying lectures are given sub-letters, rather than separate identifying numbers. Series II contains one portrait photograph and many small albumen print photographs, most of which have minor creases at the edges, kept with original envelope marked "duplicates – or at least reductions of larger photos." These study images are arranged alphabetically by supplied title. Series III, the Olcott Papers, is arranged in chronological order by month and year. The monthly folders have been retained and contain a monthly item count, with brief description of the contents of selected contents of each month's correspondence. These letters are generally in good physical condition. The Lyman Sturgis correspondence in Series IV is arranged in chronological order, with related outgoing and incoming correspondence kept together where appropriate.

Restrictions on Access

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.

Preferred Citation

Russell Sturgis architectural drawings and papers. Dept. of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

Acquisition

This collection was a gift to Avery Library from two sources. The first group of materials appears to have been donated at an unknown date either by Lyman Sturgis, son of Russell, or by a relative of Lyman, perhaps his wife. A second group of materials, known as the Olcott Papers, was donated by Douglas W. Olcott in August 1962. Olcott was the grandnephew of Dudley Olcott, the original recipient of this collection and head of the Merchants' and Farmers' Bank in Albany, New York, at the time of Sturgis' architectural commission.

Historical Note

Russell Sturgis (1836-1909), architect, art historian and writer, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating from the Free Academy (later the College of the City of New York) in 1856, he studied with architect Leopold Eidlitz and received further architectural education in Munich, Germany. He returned to New York City in 1863 to begin his career as an architect and resided there until his death.

Historical Note

Sturgis' architectural style has been described as "New-Grec" and "Victorian Gothic." Among his best-known buildings are the Farnam, Durfee, and Lawrence dormitories and the Battell Chapel at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut; the Flower Hospital in New York City; and the Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank in Albany, New York.

Historical Note

His legacy remains, however, more closely tied to his role as an art and architectural historian, writer, and lecturer. In fact, Sturgis virtually abandoned the practice of architecture for these other activities after the early 1880s. He served as president of the Architectural League of New York from 1889 to 1893 and of the Fine Arts Federation from 1895 to 1897. His writings were extensive and, in addition to writing for various magazines and journals, Sturgis was the author of European architecture: a historical study (1896); Annotated Bibliography of fine art: painting, sculpture, architecture, arts of decoration and illustration (1897) for the American Library Association; the multi-volume Dictionary of Architecture and Building (1901-1902); How to judge architecture; a popular guide to the appreciation of buildings (1903); and was co-translator of Wilhelm Luebke's Outlines of the History of Art (1904). His manuscript for The History of Architecture (1906-1915) was only partially complete at this time of Sturgis' death in 1909. Sturgis lectured widely for various audiences, including Columbia College, Barnard College, the Metropolitan Museum, the Peabody Institute, the American Institute of Architects, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the College of the City of New York, among many others.

Historical Note

Finally, Sturgis played a significant role in the founding and development of the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library at Columbia University. Avery Library was founded on June 23, 1890, by Samuel Putnam and Mary Ogden Avery in memory of their son, Henry Ogden Avery, who had studied earlier with Sturgis. In forming the library, the Averys stipulated that there were to be three people responsible for the development of the collection—the librarian of Columbia College, the professor of the Architectural Department, and Russell Sturgis. It appears that the other two members of this committee usually deferred to Sturgis and he was later remembered as "the second most important factor in the formation of the [Avery] library."

Scope and Content

This collection contains lectures, notes, photographs, correspondence, and architectural drawings documenting the work of Russell Sturgis, and, secondarily, his son, Lyman Sturgis. The materials were created between 1874 and 1932.

Scope and Content

Items in the first gift, given by Lyman Sturgis or a close associate, include typescripts and manuscripts of lectures and addresses about architecture and fine art between 1884 and 1895, often accompanied by slide lists or notes. Occasionally, there are merely slide lists without corresponding lectures.

Scope and Content

Also in the first gift is a small group of study photographs, including many images of French architecture, as well as examples of interior decoration. Additionally, there is one portrait photograph of Sturgis, dated 1905.

Scope and Content

A second gift, known as the Olcott Papers, documents the planning and construction of the Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank in Albany, New York. The materials consist of five original architectural drawings and a group of more than 160 letters and telegrams, some of which contain small architectural sketches by Sturgis. The letters date from July 14, 1874 to July 16, 1875. Fifty-five of the letters are in Russell Sturgis' hand and the remainder are from the contractors and tradesmen involved in the construction.

Scope and Content

Also received in the first gift is a small group of correspondence to and from Lyman Sturgis, a writer and literary agent for the Beacon Syndicate in New York City. This material relates to literary matters and dates from 1931 and 1932.

Related Material

Russell Sturgis Photograph Collection, 1853-1903. University Archives, Dept. of Special Collections, Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Louise Kurlick for the Dept. of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, in 1977.

Processing Information

Much of the material in Box 1 was received in acidic brown envelopes. All the material was removed and placed in archival housing. If there was writing on the enveloped indicating the contents and assumed to be in the hand of Sturgis, those notes were excised, mounted on acid-free paper, and maintained with the contents of the envelope. The papers were generally in good condition, although the first and last sheets were in contact with the acidic envelopes and are usually badly discolored.

Art -- Study and teaching Art -- History Architecture Bank buildings -- New York (State) -- Albany Banks and banking -- New York (State) -- Albany Commercial buildings -- New York (State) -- Albany Architecture -- United States -- Designs and plans Architecture -- Europe -- Pictorial works architectural drawings (visual works) Photographic prints Architects Art historians Teachers Ware, William R (William Robert), 1832-1915 Brooklyn Art Association Mechanics and Farmers Bank (Albany, N.Y.) Series 1: LecturesLecture on architects and the legacy of the past. American Institute of Architects Convention.22 pages1884? or 1885?11Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Lecture on Roman sculpture. House Lecture.7 pages1889 Mar 2312Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Lecture on Venice. House Lecture.14 pages1889 Lent13Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Lecture on Greek sculpture. House Lecture.12 pages1889? Lent14Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Lecture on Greek non-architectural sculpture. House Lecture for ΑΔΦ?11 pages1889?15Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for House Lecture on Venice.1 pages1889 Apr 616aScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for House Lecture on Venice.1 pages1889 Apr 2016bScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for House Lecture on French architecture.1 pages1889 Apr 2716cScope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Slide list for House Lecture on Liber Studorium.3 pages1889 Mar 0116dScope and Contents

Typescript and manuscript.

Slide list for House Lecture on Liber Studorium.1 pages1890 Mar 0116eScope and Contents

Typescript.

Scope and Contents

Second copy.

Slide list for House Lecture on various artists.1 pages1890 Mar 1516fScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for House Lecture on various artists.1 pages1890 Mar 2916gScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for House Lecture on various artists.1 pages1890 Mar 2916hScope and Contents

Typescript.

"First draft of address" on designs and designing.28 pages1889 Oct17Scope and Contents

Typescript.

"First draft of address" on designs and designing. Architectural League.21 pages1889 Oct18Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Notes.1 pages[1889 Oct]18aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Slide list.6 pages[1889 Oct]18bScope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Lecture on architecture and decoration. Brooklyn Institute; also delivered at Columbia or Barnard or both.29 pages1889 Autumn-Winter19Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Lecture on application of color to architecture. Columbia College, in Professor Ware's department.9 pages1889110Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Lecture on color applied to the decorative arts. Columbia College.15 pages1889 Nov 14 or 1889 Dec 05111Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Lecture on use of natural materials as pieces of color. Columbia College, School of Mines.9 pages1889 Dec 05112Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Slide list.1 pages[1889 Dec 05]112aScope and Contents

Typescript.

Notes for lecture.1 pages[1889] Mar 20113Scope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on nature and use of color to assist architectural form. Columbia College.8 pages[1889]114Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Diagram.1 pages[1889]114aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture.1 pages1889 Dec 02115aScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture, with sketch on verso of last page.4 pages1889 Dec 19115bScope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Scope and Contents

First page lacking.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture.1 pages1890 Feb 06115cScope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture.1 pages1890 Feb 13115dScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture.1 pages1890 Feb 20115eScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture.1 pages1890 Apr 03115fScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture.1 pages1890 Apr 09115gScope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list for Columbia College lecture.1 pages1890 May 02115hScope and Contents

Typescript.

Examination questions for Theory of Architecture course at Columbia College, ten questions.2 pagesundated116aScope and Contents

Typescript.

Examination questions for Theory of Architecture course at Columbia College, same as above with one extra question.2 pagesundated116bScope and Contents

Typescript.

Student grading sheet [presumably for Theory of Architecture course at Columbia College], showing 11 questions and thirty students.1 pagesundated116bScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Acceptance speech for presidency of the Architectural League.2 pages1889117Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Slide lists and notes "On Tombs." Brooklyn Institute.4 pages1890 Mar 07118Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

"Draft prepared for reporters, not used" on Japanese art. Alpine Club.9 pages1890 Apr 18119Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list.1 pages[1890 Apr 18]119aScope and Contents

Typescript.

Lecture about application of color to sculpture. Archaeological Society of New York.22 pages1889? or 1890?120Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list. Archaeological Society of New York.1 pages1891 Mar 20120aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on "The Nature Lover's and the Moralist's View of Art." Columbia College. Also given at the Brooklyn Art Association on April 22, 1891?33 pages1891 Jan 10121Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list.2 pages[1891 Jan 10]121aScope and Contents

Manuscript on verso of Alpha Delta Phi Club invitation cards.

Lecture on "The Art Lover's View of Art." Columbia College. Also given at the Brooklyn Art Association on April 22, 1891?22 pages1891 Jan 17122Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list.2 pages[1891 Jan 17]122aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Notes or slide list. Brooklyn Art Association.1 pages1891 Feb 18123Scope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on "Sources of Modern Art in the Graeco-Roman Mold." Barnard College, also Brooklyn Institute.24 pages1891 Apr 03124Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list.1 pages[1891 Apr 03]124aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on "Sources of Modern Art – Middle Ages." Barnard College, also Brooklyn Institute.24 pages1891 Apr 10125Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list.1 pages[1891 Apr 10]125aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on "Sources of Modern Art – Early Renaissance." Barnard College, also Brooklyn Institute.7 pages1891 Apr 17126Scope and Contents

Manuscript in outline form.

Slide list.7 pages[1891 Apr 17]126aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Program announcement for Brooklyn Institute lectures on "The Sources of Modern Art."1 pages1891 Apr127Scope and Contents

Printed paper.

Scope and Contents

With 2 copies.

Lecture on the requisites of a museum for the people. Brooklyn Institute.24 pages1891 Dec 16128Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Slide list.1 pages[1891 Dec 16]128aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on color in architecture. Architectural League.13 pages1892 Feb 01129Scope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on the nature of the Architectural League. Architectural League.8 pages1892 Feb 08130Scope and Contents

Manuscript.

Slide list and notes on interior design, monumental and stately. Brooklyn Art Association.1 pages1892 Feb 26131aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Slide list and notes on interior design, domestic. Brooklyn Art Association.1 pages1892 Mar 04131bScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Slide list and notes on furniture. Brooklyn Art Association.1 pages1892 Mar 11131cScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Slide list and notes on small portable objects. Brooklyn Art Association.1 pages1892 Mar 18131dScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on "How Styles Originate and Grow…Dress." Museum of Art for Columbia College.38 pages1893 Jan 07132Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Lecture on style. Museum of Art for Columbia College.29 pages1893 Jan 14133Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Slide list.1 pages[1893 Jan 14]133aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on "How Styles Express Nature." Museum of Art for Columbia College.22 pages1893 Jan134Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Lecture on "Greek Architecture for Modern Uses." Archaeological Society of New York.37 pages1893 Apr 12135Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Slide list and notes.4 pages[1893 Apr 12]135aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on the nature of architecture. Brooklyn Institute.6 pages1893 Winter-1893 Spring136Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Lecture on Greek Architecture. American Institute of Architects.14 pages1894 Oct 15137Scope and Contents

Typescript, with manuscript annotations.

Note about lecture.1 pages[1894 Oct 15]137aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Chronological listing of people and places from 1547-1786. Architectural League.1 pages1894 Nov138Scope and Contents

Manuscript.

Assorted notes.30 pages[1894 Nov]138a-ccScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on J.M.W. Turner.63 pages1895 Dec 14139Scope and Contents

Manuscript in blue pencil.

Slide list of notes.1 pages[1895 Dec 14]139aScope and Contents

Manuscript.

Lecture on J.M.W. Turner, second lecture.21 pages1895 Dec 21140Scope and Contents

Typescript.

Lecture on J.M.W. Turner, second lecture.63 pages[1895 Dec 21]141Scope and Contents

Manuscript.

Unidentified slide list.1 pages[1890 Fall?]142Scope and Contents

Manuscript.

Program announcement for lectures on "The Application of Ancient Architecture for Modern Uses." Columbia College.[18?? Feb-18?? Mar]143a-bScope and Contents

Printed papers.

Scope and Contents

2 copies.

Series 2: PhotographsRussell Sturgis, portrait photograph.Lockwood, New York, N.Y., photographer.14.2 x 9.8 cm.1905144Scope and Contents

Gelatin silver print, mounted on board.

"La Prevoyance" building, possibly Paris, France.undated145Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Exterior view with figures in doorway.

Palais du Trocadéro, Paris, France.circa 1878-1905146Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Exterior view.

Unidentified Gothic building, possibly Paris, France.undated147Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Showing street façade with main entrance portal.

Unidentified Gothic building, possibly Paris, France.undated147Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Detail showing oriel window with pointed arches and polychromed voussoirs. 2 copies.

Unidentified parlor or hall interior.undated149Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Showing draped archway and staircase.

Unidentified Romanesque building, possibly France.undated150Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Showing apse, tower, and partial façade

Unidentified Stick-Style residence, probably United States.undated151Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Possibly Sturgis' residence?

Unidentified townhouse, Paris, France.undated152Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Noted on verso, "A house in wh. const. frame of wrought iron is let show."

Unidentified warehouse or factory building.undated153Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Showing skylit arcade with tables.

Cabinet, seen against wainscoting and wallpaper.undated154Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Illustration.

Cabinet, with man standing alongside.undated155Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Illustration.

Carved door or wall panels.undated156Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Depicting flowering vines climbing from a pot, in an Asian style.

Carved door or wall panels.undated157Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Depicting flowering vines climbing from a pot, in an Asian style.

Carved four-paneled door or wall insert.undated158Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Depicting flowering branches.

Fireplace and wall surround.undated159Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Partially rendered elevation.

Living room or parlor wallundated160Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

Showing wall decoration and arrangement of framed art, rendered elevation.

Stair rail.undated161Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

With carved birds on newel post, elevation. Noted on verso, "R Sturgis Sandier's drawing for stairs for A H Roosevelt abt 1872."

Stair rail.undated162Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

With carved lizard on newel post, elevation.

Stair rail.undated163Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

With carved peacock on newel post, elevation

Stair rail.undated164a-cScope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

With lamp on newel post, and outline of woman ascending stairs, two elevations. 3 copies. One print noted on verso "R. Sturgis. Sandier's drawing for stairs for A. H. Roosevelt, abt. 1872."

Stair rail.undated165Scope and Contents

Albumen print.

Scope and Contents

With lamp on newel post, and outline of woman ascending stairs, two elevations. 3 copies. One print noted on verso "R. Sturgis. Sandier's drawing for stairs for A. H. Roosevelt, abt. 1872."

Series 3: Olcott Papers, Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank, Albany, New YorkCashier's Room.50 x 30.1cm. Scale= 1/4 full size.[circa 1874-1875]21Scope and Contents

Ink and watercolor on linen.

Scope and Contents

Brick arch of ceiling, section detail.

Cashier's Room.31.3 x 25.7cm. Scale 1/2"=1'.[circa 1874-1875]21Scope and Contents

Ink and watercolor on wove paper.

Scope and Contents

Marble flooring, plan.

Director's Room.41.9 x 24.7cm.1874 Nov21Scope and Contents

Ink and watercolor on linen.

Scope and Contents

Marble flooring, plan.

Entrance doors on James Street.12 x 21.8cm.[circa 1874-1875]21Scope and Contents

Graphite, watercolor, and gold ink on brown wove paper.

Scope and Contents

Doors to Director's Room, and Door to Cashier's Room, elevations.

Unidentified section detail.20.5 x 24.5 cm.[circa 1874-1875]21Scope and Contents

Ink and watercolor on linen.

Correspondence regarding vault and safe.10 items1874 Jul22Scope and Contents

Includes two items with architectural sketches.

Correspondence regarding heating, stonework, and iron doors.12 items1874 Aug23Scope and Contents

Includes one item with architectural plan sketch.

Correspondence regarding heating.15 items1874 Sep24Scope and Contents

Includes one item with architectural sketch.

Correspondence regarding stonework.8 items1874 Oct25Correspondence regarding chimney and vault14 items1874 Nov26Scope and Contents

Includes one item with architectural sketch.

Correspondence regarding chimneys, vaults and doors.29 items1874 Dec27Scope and Contents

Includes three architectural sketches of flues, chimneys, and doorway.

Correspondence regarding lobby door.9 items1875 Jan28Scope and Contents

Includes three architectural sketches of flues, chimneys, and doorway.

Correspondence regarding ironwork, staircase, ornamental glass windows, and marble counter.20 items1875 Feb29Scope and Contents

Includes one item with sketch of a drawer.

Correspondence regarding marble counter, tiles, and doors.7 items1875 Mar210Scope and Contents

Includes one item with sketch.

Correspondence regarding marble counters and iron doors.13 items1875 Apr211Correspondence regarding fireplace, vault, teller's cage, and glass.21 items1875 May212Scope and Contents

Includes one item with sketch of fireplace.

Correspondence regarding chairs and glass.13 items1875 Jun213Correspondence regarding tile base.1 item1875 Jul214Correspondence regarding approval for aspect of design.undated215The New England Patent Self-Supporting Drawer Company.circa 1874-1875215Scope and Contents

Advertising prospectus.

Series 4: Lyman Sturgis CorrespondenceCorrespondence between Lyman Sturgis and various correspondents.30 items1931-1932216Scope and Contents

Correspondents include Thomas Benrimo, the Century Company, Jacques Chambrun, George Allan England, Herbert Adams Gibbons, Frances Phillips of William Morrow and Company, and Frances Winwar.

Scope and Contents

Subjects relate primarily to Sturgis' work as a literary agent and editor for the Beacon Syndicate, New York, New York.