What's New at LALH
|
Images from A Genius for Place Available for Purchase Prints may be purchased individually, for $700 each, or in a limited edition portfolio, as a completed boxed set of seven, for $4,200. (Shipping is free) For more information or to order by credit card, call LALH at (413) 549-4860. |
|
In A Genius for Place: American Landscapes of the Country Place Era, Karson traces the development of a distinctly American style of landscape design between the 1890s and the 1930s, from the naturalistic wild gardens of Warren Manning to the mysterious “Prairie style” landscapes of Jens Jensen to the proto-modernist gardens of Fletcher Steele. Charles Platt, Ellen Shipman, Beatrix Farrand, Marian Coffin, and Lockwood de Forest Jr. are the other practitioners Karson covers as she analyzes seven country places created by these leading landscape architects of the period. “Karson's magisterial book shows the magnitude of the Country Place Era landscape heritage and confirms its importance as a major chapter in the history of American landscape design.” “What a feast Karson has spread before us!. . . The amalgam of people and places and their connections to each other make the book vastly interesting and lead us into novel insights on American social, cultural, intellectual, and even economic history.” “This is an outstanding book . . . the best work I have read on the Country Place Era. Its selection of case studies focuses on the best designs of the period by the most talented individuals. . . . The writing is lucid, engaging, and witty.” “Following her brilliant first book, Fletcher Steele, Landscape Architect, Robin Karson now presents A Genius for Place, an equally important and valuable work. Here she presents early twentieth-century peers in context, and she brings life to distinguished American garden designs of the era. She also offers insight into the philosophy and practice of distinctive but long-overlooked designers. Not only is this work an important resource for today's practitioners, but its clear, concise, and poetic writing will preserve these valuable designs for posterity.” “They're all here: Charles Platt, Beatrix Farrand, Jens Jensen. The great American country estates of 1900–1930 continue to be paragons of the art of garden design. Robin Karson's splendid new book discusses the important landscape architects of this period, and analyzes their important achievements.” “Monographs have been written about some of the individuals who created America 's glorious estate landscapes during the opulent period known as the country place era, but the collective story of these place-makers and their creations has not been told until now. Here at last is a book that treats eight important designers of the early twentieth century and seven extraordinary landscapes associated with them in a fluid, integrated narrative offering engaging biographical detail and insightful analysis.” “A major contribution to this long-neglected area of scholarship, Robin Karson's new book finally gives this extraordinary creative flowering its due. . . . This thoughtfully illustrated, authoritative text sets a high standard for other works to follow, and opens the door to a rich chapter in the history of American landscape architecture.” |
|
In January, Frank A. Waugh's Book of Landscape-Gardening (1926) rolled out from University of Massachusetts Press in association with LALH. This is the seventh title in the ASLA Centennial Reprint Series. Frank Albert Waugh (1869–1943) moved to New England in 1895 from his native Midwest and later came to Massachusetts Agricultural College, now the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he founded one of the nation's earliest programs in landscape architecture. Waugh was an inspiring teacher, horticulturalist, and engaging and versatile writer. He became one of the first landscape architects to promote the use of native plants in American gardens and along country roadsides. Book of Landscape-Gardening, written in 1899, was revised three times, and the new edition is reprinted from the culminating 1926 edition. The richly illustrated book, with photos of landscapes in Europe, Japan, and the United States, achieved its popular appeal by striking a balance between well-known period examples and simple solutions that could be accomplished by the novice designer, highway engineer, estate gardener, or average homeowner. Waugh includes several useful and charmingly opinionated plant lists and an annotated bibliography on landscape design. A new introduction by historian Linda Flint McClelland, the first in-depth treatment of Waugh, examines his contributions to the profession of landscape architecture during a period of great technological change, growing cultural sophistication, and economic prosperity. “Waugh is one of the unsung heroes of American landscape architecture. By reissuing this long out-of-print classic and articulating Waugh's role as a designer, educator, and popularizer, Linda McClelland and LALH have done a great service to the field.” |
|
When VIEW lands on members' doorsteps this summer, it will make a slightly louder smack...more like a magazine than a newsletter. That's because the 2008 issue of the annual publication features an additional twelve pages of articles and images. LALH Executive Director Robin Karson, who edits VIEW, says she expanded the format in response to "very positive comments from readers over the past few years." One goal of the new, expanded VIEW is to reach a broader audience, including readers interested in American history, historic landscapes, preservation, and landscape architecture. LALH members have also asked how to give VIEW as a gift. So in addition to going out to LALH members, VIEW is now available by subscription. The subscription rate is $15/year (one issue). Click here to download a subscription order form. A few highlights from this year's issue: To download the current or past issues, click here. |
Dumbarton Oaks library’s west façade from the northern lip of the Dell. Courtesy Dumbarton Oaks. |
Errata in VIEW “This landmark landscape was in a conflict process—a new library was needed at this scholarly institution that would have a minimal impacton the significant Mildred Bliss–Beatrix Farrand landscape. The positive resolution was achieved primarily as a result of the historically informed efforts of the project landscape architects, James Urban, FASLA, landscape architect of record, and Patricia O’Donnell, FASLA, preservation landscape architect and planner. Heritage Landscapes, with Lampl Associates, Historians, carried out the Dumbarton Oaks Cultural Landscape Report, Part 1: History, Existing Conditions & Analysis. This oundational document achieved a thorough understanding of the landscape’s evolution and the multiple influences on its development. While Beatrix Farrand was the principal landscape architect, there is a long list of professionals engaged with owner Mildred Bliss in the landscape design and evolution. As that effort progressed, Heritage Landscapes was closely engaged with Hartman-Cox Architects, the firm that led the Dumbarton Oaks Master Plan. The Heritage Landscape team assessed the siting study, testing eight possible areas for new construction, and identified the two sites that were not designed landscapes. This was a primary influence on the appropriate siting of two new elements: 1. Service Court: Designed by McKim Mead and White, with Beatrix Farrand serving as the owner’s representative for Mildred Bliss. Heritage Landscapes found that the west side of the Service Court at the edge of the Dell contained small storage buildings and a former Orchid Rest House. These were determined not to be historically significant and, were removed, with minimal disruption to the designed landscape. These former building sites were used to define the footprint of the proposed library. 2. Fellows Building: The history of landscape development revealed that Farrand designed the Fellows Building and its surrounding landscape directly along S Street and around the north side of the building, while adjacent areas were used for service and parking. This location, which was not a designed landscape, could be altered for a new function without removing important historic fabric and features. The new Gardener’s Court buildings and landscape were developed on that site, shifting the garden staff out of the former garage and staff cottage in the Service Court. Heritage Landscapes’ work was the foundational element in siting these two architectural additions within this landmark landscape. Both landscape architects constantly advocated refining the designs on behalf of the landscape throughout the master plan by Hartman-Cox Architects and into the design and construction process by architects Venturi Scott Brown and Associates. James Urban was the landscape architect on both the Hartman-Cox and Venturi Scott Brown teams, preparing the landscape construction documents for both the Service Court and the Gardener’s Court and for the careful repairs needed in the Dell. Patricia O’Donnell worked closely with James Urban in the schematic and design-development phases. Together they were responsible for the reconstruction of the Gardner’s Court to the original details.” Mary Oehrlein of Oehrlein & Associates Architects served as the preservation architect. |
|
Stan Hywet Hosts 2008 Symposium A symposium entitled "On Display: Historic Homes and Great Estates" will take place at the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, Ohio, on October 17-18, 2008. The first annual Stan Hywet Symposium will explore the unique components of the Industrial Revolution and ensuing country place era, including the cultural, architectural and social history of this significant phenomenon in American history. Speakers will also explore significant efforts in preserving this history for future generations. Initiated in 2007 as a forum for the study and discussion of a diverse range of historical, architectural and preservation issues, the symposium is a collaborative effort of the University of Akron, Kent State University, and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens to address such issues for both scholarly and public audiences. Presentations will take place at historic Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. A National Historic Landmark open to the public, the former estate of the F.A. Seiberling family features grounds designed c. 1914 by landscape architect Warren H. Manning, with later work by Ellen Shipman. The registration deadline is 5:00pm on October 10, 2008. To learn more or to register online, please click here. |
|
Site/Lines Reviews A Genius for Place "This rich variety and depth of documentation, going far beyond that offered by limited conventional records, has resulted in a complex, nuanced study...Karson's magisterial book shows the magnitude of the Country Era landscape heritage and confirms its importance as a major chapter in the history of American landscape design." Click here to read the full review. Edited by Elizabeth Barlow Rogers, president of the Foundation for Landscape Studies, Site/Lines is a literary forum for essays and reviews of books, exhibitions and designs dealing with landscape themes and projects. Back issues can be downloaded online. |
Not Waiting for Oprah: |
|
|
In July, Reid Bertone-Johnson, the former coordinator of the LALH Warren H. Manning Research Project, organized a session of presentations by Manning volunteer research associates at the 2008 International Planning History Society conference at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Volunteer research associate Terri Rochon spoke on Manning's design for Warren (a.k.a. Bisbee), Arizona, Arne Alanen and Massachusetts. Volunteer research associate Terri Rochon spoke on Manning’s design for Warren, a.k.a. Bisbee, Arizona. Arne Alanen and Lynn Bjorkman discussed Manning’s National Plan. Bertone-Johnson talked about elements of Manning’s plan for Hopedale, Massachusetts. Click here to learn more about the LALH Manning Research Project. |
|
In April, Ethan Carr, author of Mission 66, spoke about "Looking back on Mission 66 in Anticipation of the National Park Service Centennial in 2016" in Brookline, MA. His talk was presented by Brookline Adult & Community Education and was co-sponsored by the Frederick Law Olmsted and John F. Kennedy National Historic Site. |
|
Frank A. Waugh designed parts of the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus and established the university's landscape architecture program, so it was a fitting venue for Linda McClelland's late-April lecture on Waugh. McClelland, a historian for the National Park Service who wrote the introduction to the new LALH edition of Waugh's Book of Landscape Gardening, highlighted his diverse talents and widespread influence on the profession as a teacher. |
|
Robin Karson gave an early spring talk about Warren H. Manning based on her new book, A Genius for Place, at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut, where Manning had consulted with the estate's owner and designer. LALH Manning Research Project coordinator Mackenzie Greer outlined the goals and scope of that project at Hill-Stead. In April, Karson presented a benefit lecture on her new book at the Horticultural Society of New York, in Manhattan. |
|
Catherine Howett drew from her book A World of Her Own Making: Katharine Smith Reynolds and the Landscape of Reynolda, at an April lecture at the University of Georgia's School of Environmental Design, where she is professor emerita. |
|
In February Blanche M.G. Linden, author of the revised edition of Silent City on a Hill: Picturesque Landscapes of Memory and Boston's Mount Auburn Cemetery, spoke at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston and at the Harvard Bookstore in Cambridge. The Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery feted the author with a champagne reception. |
|
Landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman (1869-1950), an advocate for women and children, would be proud to know that her name was recently associated with a charitable event run by women to benefit children. At the request of the Women's Associate of Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, NJ, LALH donated five copies of The Gardens of Ellen Biddle Shipman (1996, Sagapress in association with LALH) to the association's annual spring fundraiser. Shipman designed the landscape for this year's featured mansion, Froh Heim, the former Evander B. Schley estate in Far Hills, NJ. All money raised during the event supports the expansion of pediatric oncology services at the Goryeb Children's Hospital at Morristown Memorial Hospital. In 1924, Shipman created two interlocking walled courtyard gardens for the Spanish-inspired house by Peabody, Wilson and Brown (1923). Here she employed her signature style to create intimate outdoor rooms with simple lines and carefully proportioned axial layouts. The walled gardens contained lush perennial beds, a pergola, a fountain, brick terraces, and specially designed wrought-iron gates and railings. The Shipman gardens have recently been restored by a team coordinated by landscape architect Brian W. Bosenberg, CLA, of B.W. Bosenberg & Co., of Far Hills. |
|
New Resource for Historic Campus Research Researchers seeking information about historically significant architectural and landscape sites on college and university campuses can now tap into the Council of Independent Colleges Historic Campus Architecture Program (HCAP). According to Barbara S. Christen of the Council of Independent Colleges, HCAP is an online database of information about historic landscapes, architecture, campus plans, and other historic sites. With more than 5,000 images and accompanying descriptions, the HCAP website "documents 2,100 places of historical significance that have been identified by nearly 400 private college and university campuses," Christen wrote in a letter to Landscape Architecture magazine (March 2008). Her letter responded to the profile of Robin Karson in the January issue, in which Karson mentioned the need for more studies of institutional landscapes. According to Christen, "The website will continue to exist as it was originally designed as well as in streamlined form through ARTstor, the digital images library. This dual access will make project data about college campus heritage issues available to many audiences - scholars, architecture/landscape/and planning practitioners, and college and university officials alike." Institutions that wish to suggest additions or updates to HCAP can email gettysurvey@cic.nche.edu. Please direct all other questions to Christen at bchristen@cic.nche.edu. |
|
In late May, the American Society of Landscape Architects awarded its 2008 Medal of Excellence to the National Association for Olmsted Parks. LALH Executive Director Robin Karson was one of several historic landscape preservation advocates who wrote letters of support for NAOP's nomination. The medal, which honors "notable and sustained contributions to the management and conservancy of natural resources and public landscapes," will be presented to NAOP on October 6th at the ASLA annual meeting in Philadelphia. NAOP, established in 1980, is a coalition of design and preservation professionals, historic property and park managers, scholars, municipal officials, citizen activists, and representatives of numerous Olmsted organizations around the United States. Its concern is the legacy of landscape work left by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. and the firm founded by his sons, Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects. The organization advances Olmsted principles and the legacy of irreplaceable parks and landscapes that revitalize communities and enrich people's lives. For more information about NAOP, visit www.olmsted.org. |
|
New Trees for Manning Streetscape Landscape architect Bill Sanders of Upper Peninsula Engineers & Architects recently wrote from the northern latitudes to report progress on the project to replace part of a streetscape originally designed by Warren H. Manning in Gwinn, MI. Originally designed by Manning as a "model town" for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company in the early years of the 20th Century, it originally boasted thickly planted streets and boulevards. The trees on one locally beloved boulevard, Pine Street, were lost to highway construction decades ago. A plan to resurrect a leafy streetscape there has been under way for about two years (see the article in VIEW 2006). Sanders, who designed the new streetscape, is now overseeing its construction which began this spring. "They are finally in the process of planting the trees, and after two tractor-trailer-truck loads, here is what it is looking like. It's still under construction, and many of the branches are tied up and un-pruned. The neighbors are already planting in their yards and along the fencing, so it has really boosted community pride," he reports. "I wonder what Manning would think about all this?" |
|
Research Query: Who was E. Hamilton Bell? A researcher working to document the history of the landscape at Filston, the Romulus Riggs Colgate estate in Sharon, CT, discovered that it was designed by E. Hamilton Bell and would appreciate information about this designer. If you know anything about Bell, please email Elizabeth Shapiro at the Sharon Historical Society. To see photos of Filston, visit www.sharonhist.org. |
|
Department of Art and Whimsy: Landscape Gardening's Pied Piper Frank Waugh (1869-1943) founded the "landscape gardening" department at Massachusetts Agricultural College (later to become the landscape architecture department at UMass Amherst) in 1902. Beloved by generations of students, he taught there for almost fifty years. This photo from the LALH reprint edition of Waugh's Book of Landscape Gardening (1926) captures his poetic side. In her introduction, historian Linda McClelland explains what he was up to: "Waugh's best-known exercise, 'landscape links,' led students through a series of outdoor viewpoints - a process he compared to an afternoon walk where 'one tramps leisurely from point to point, stopping to contemplate at ease each good view.' To compare landscape art with the fine art of music, he would encourage his students to listen to the music of a free-flowing stream, and, sitting on a ledge-like boulder, he would play his flute in cadence with the sound of 'water running downhill.' Such lessons were memorable and appealed to nonprofessional as well as professional students." |
