The Makers of Trinity Church in the City of Boston

Rating:
Summary: A 19th century architect's masterpiece
Review: This compilation of lectures given two years ago is a handy reference for those who wish to understand something of the design process in an architectural office. O'Gorman notes that it is "collaborative" in nature. One could also add that it hardly static. The illustratons (too few from my perspective) show the evolution of this building from its competition stage to the one built at Copley Square. Even Richardson wondered why his firm was chosen to handle the commission. The book tells us in many ways about his Harvard connections Brooks and Paine.

The chapters on the women contributors and the Maginnis changes to the chancel in a 1937 competition are very useful. I, for one, am glad that the Maginnis competition drawing (neo-byzantine) was not executed. The tie rods were exposed and all of the Richarson era vaulting was removed to be replaced with a single dome. The executed work is distinctly Art Deco with a stencil diaper pattern. Maginnis fondness for Betram Goodhue's St. Bartholomew's Church in NYC is pointed out by Milda Richardson.

There is scant reference here and there to Charles Coolidge (Richarson's successor firms: Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge; then Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch). This is unfortunate since it was under his hand that the west porch, the choir pews and their sandstone railing, the pulpit and rector's stall were exectued. The bronze base of the menorah shown in the elevation of the altar by Maginnis were from an earlier remodeling by Coolidge. (They are extant).

The book is very useful to students and practicioners of architecture. One name be associated with a building, but this book helps explain that there it is a large undertaking with many hands and minds making the decisions.