bldg. 51 museum secures multiple pallets of st. boniface school exterior ornamental terra cotta

in a previous post, the bldg. 51 museum acquired a unique and highly figurative terra cotta rondel that was positioned between the spandrels on the exterior of the sullivan-inspired late 19th century st. boniface school building (demolished in the 1990's). late last week several pallets of additional st. boniface ornamental terra cotta was purchased, which includes, but not limited to, dentiled bricks, stringercourse segments, corbels and other fragments from the schools' facade. the uniquely finished terra cotta, with a combination red speckled, buff-colored glaze was fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, ills. 

the church, school and rectory - originally serving a german congregation in the 19th century - were designed by notable ecclesiologist and church architect henry schlacks, who trained in the firm of adler and sullivan and briefly partnered with henry ottenheimer. the non-extant building is a beautiful example of a utilitarian design that incorporated lively ornamentation and character. the facade featured five prominent arched arcades with window panes that formed a trefoil, motif. the terra cotta pilasters were adorned with capitals containing winged-cherubs. various figural rondels and or rondels with faces adorn the building’s façade in high relief between the spandrels.

after many years - post-demolition, the church released the terra cotta where it was made available for purchase. both bldg. 51 and urban remains now holds much of the cornice, capitals, and other ornament from the non-extant school's facade. samples of ornamental terra cotta from the latest purchase are provided below.