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failthfully recreated louis h. sullivan-designed patinated cast bronze guaranty building (1896) wall sconce canopy

Bld. 51 Museum Collection

In stock

SKU

UR-34825-23

looking over newspapers on the guaranty building, i discovered plans that announced (january, 1951) to do away with the original open-cage sullivan-designed elevator enclosures within the guaranty building (adler & sullivan, architects, 1896).

the "modernization" would cost 20,000, which included new otis elevator cabs ordered to replace the "antiquated cages."

at ryerson, i finally found and scanned 35mm contact prints (1961) showing just how bad the alterations were. the photos were taken by richard nickel.

the installation of single balusters (mounted upside down) above the elevator doors is horrifying. nearly all of the copper-plated elevator ironwork - executed by winslow brothers - was scrapped.

in 1983 the lobby was restored - recreating the elevator enclosures, restoring the art glass skylights and mosaics, and light fixtures.

1961 images courtesy of the richard nickel archive, ryerson and burnham archives, art institute of chicago. color images showing the lobby after its restoration courtesy of cannon design. original salvaged ornament courtesy of bldg. 51 museum collection.