Calvert Vaux: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Architect and landscape designer (1824–95)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Short description|Architect and landscape designer (1824–95)}}
{{Infobox architect
{{Infobox architect
| name = Calvert Vaux
| name = Calvert Vaux
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==Early life==
==Early life==
Born in [[London]] to a [[physician]], Vaux was baptized at [[St Benet Gracechurch]] on February 9, 1825. He trained as an apprentice under the architect [[Lewis Nockalls Cottingham]], a leader of the [[Gothic Revival]] movement interested in Tudor architecture.<ref>Kowsky, 15–16</ref> Vaux trained under Cottingham until the age of twenty-six, also befriending [[George Godwin]] and [[George Truefitt]] during his studies.{{cn|date=December 2022}}
Born in [[London]] to a [[physician]], Vaux was baptized at [[St Benet Gracechurch]] on February 9, 1825. He trained as an apprentice under the architect [[Lewis Nockalls Cottingham]], a leader of the [[Gothic Revival]] movement interested in Tudor architecture.<ref>Kowsky, 15–16</ref> Vaux trained under Cottingham until the age of twenty-six, also befriending [[George Godwin]] and [[George Truefitt]] during his studies.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}


==First partnership==
==First partnership==
In 1850, Vaux exhibited a series of [[watercolor]] landscapes that he made while en route to the [[United States]] that caught the attention of [[Andrew Jackson Downing]], a noted landscape architect in [[Newburgh, New York]]. Rejected in his offer to [[Alexander Jackson Davis]] to form a partnership,  Downing traveled to London in search of a new architect who would complement his architectural vision. <ref>Kowsky, pp. 12–14, 23.</ref> He believed that architecture should be visually integrated into the surrounding landscape, and wanted to work with someone who was equally passionate. Vaux accepted the opportunity and subsequently moved to the United States. {{cn|date=December 2022}}
In 1850, Vaux exhibited a series of [[watercolor]] landscapes that he made while en route to the [[United States]] that caught the attention of [[Andrew Jackson Downing]], a noted landscape architect in [[Newburgh, New York]]. Rejected in his offer to [[Alexander Jackson Davis]] to form a partnership,  Downing traveled to London in search of a new architect who would complement his architectural vision.<ref>Kowsky, pp. 12–14, 23.</ref> He believed that architecture should be visually integrated into the surrounding landscape, and wanted to work with someone who was equally passionate. Vaux accepted the opportunity and subsequently moved to the United States. {{citation needed|date=December 2022}}


Vaux worked with Downing for two years and became a firm partner. Together, they designed many projects such as the [[White House]] grounds and the [[Smithsonian Institution]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] Vaux's work on the Smithsonian inspired him to write an article in 1852 for ''The Horticulturalist,'' of which Downing was the editor. In his publication, he argued that the government should recognize and support the arts. Shortly afterward, Downing died in a [[steamboat]] accident.{{cn|date=December 2022}}
Vaux worked with Downing for two years and became a firm partner. Together, they designed many projects such as the [[White House]] grounds and the [[Smithsonian Institution]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] Vaux's work on the Smithsonian inspired him to write an article in 1852 for ''The Horticulturalist,'' of which Downing was the editor. In his publication, he argued that the government should recognize and support the arts. Shortly afterward, Downing died in a [[steamboat]] accident.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}


==Vaux & Withers==
==Vaux & Withers==
After Downing's death, Vaux gained control of the firm. As a partner, he hired [[Frederick Clarke Withers]], who was already working at the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.design.upenn.edu/architectural-archives/frederick-clarke-withers-collection-003|title = Architectural Archives &#124; Weitzman School}}</ref> In two separate periods of partnership, interrupted by the Civil War, their projects included multiple houses in Newburgh, the [[Hudson River State Hospital]], and the [[Jefferson Market Library|Jefferson Market Courthouse]].  
After Downing's death, Vaux gained control of the firm. As a partner, he hired [[Frederick Clarke Withers]], who was already working at the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.design.upenn.edu/architectural-archives/frederick-clarke-withers-collection-003|title = Architectural Archives &#124; Weitzman School}}</ref> In two separate periods of partnership, interrupted by the Civil War, their projects included multiple houses in Newburgh, the [[Hudson River State Hospital]], and the [[Jefferson Market Library|Jefferson Market Courthouse]].


==U.S. citizenship, affiliations, and publishing==
==U.S. citizenship, affiliations, and publishing==
{{Unsourced|section|date=December 2022}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2022}}
In 1856, he gained U.S. citizenship and became identified with New York City's artistic community, “the guild,” joining the [[National Academy of Design]], as well as the [[Century Association|Century Club]].  
In 1856, he gained U.S. citizenship and became identified with New York City's artistic community, “the guild,” joining the [[National Academy of Design]], as well as the [[Century Association|Century Club]].


In 1857, he became one of the founding members of the [[American Institute of Architects]].  
In 1857, he became one of the founding members of the [[American Institute of Architects]].


{{anchor|Villas and Cottages}}
{{anchor|Villas and Cottages}}
Also in 1857, Vaux published ''Villas and Cottages,'' which was an influential [[pattern book]] that determined the standards for “Victorian Gothic” architecture.  
Also in 1857, Vaux published ''Villas and Cottages,'' which was an influential [[pattern book]] that determined the standards for “Victorian Gothic” architecture.


These particular writings revealed his acknowledgment and tribute to [[John Ruskin|Ruskin]] and [[Ralph Waldo Emerson]], as well as to his former partner Downing. These people, among others, influenced him intellectually and in his design path.
These particular writings revealed his acknowledgment and tribute to [[John Ruskin|Ruskin]] and [[Ralph Waldo Emerson]], as well as to his former partner Downing. These people, among others, influenced him intellectually and in his design path.


==Collaboration with Olmsted==
==Collaboration with Olmsted==
{{Moresources|section|date=December 2022}}
{{More citations needed|section|date=December 2022}}
[[File:New York City-Manhattan-Central Park (Gentry).jpg|thumb|New York City's [[Central Park]]]]
[[File:New York City-Manhattan-Central Park (Gentry).jpg|thumb|New York City's [[Central Park]]]]
[[File:Olana, August 2015.jpg|thumb|[[Olana]], a collaboration with [[Frederic Church]] (1870–72)]]
[[File:Olana, August 2015.jpg|thumb|[[Olana]], a collaboration with [[Frederic Church]] (1870–72)]]
In 1857, Vaux recruited [[Frederick Law Olmsted]], who had never before designed a landscape plan, to help with the Greensward Plan, which would become New York City's [[Central Park]]. They obtained the commission through the [[Greensward Plan]], an excellent presentation that drew upon Vaux's talents in landscape drawing to include before-and-after sketches of the site. Together, they fought many political battles to make sure their original design remained intact and was carried out. All of the built features of Central Park were of his design; [[Bethesda Terrace]] is a good example.
In 1857, Vaux recruited [[Frederick Law Olmsted]], who had never before designed a landscape plan, to help with the Greensward Plan, which would become New York City's [[Central Park]]. They obtained the commission through the [[Greensward Plan]], an excellent presentation that drew upon Vaux's talents in landscape drawing to include before-and-after sketches of the site. Together, they fought many political battles to make sure their original design remained intact and was carried out. All of the built features of Central Park were of his design; [[Bethesda Terrace]] is a good example.


In 1865, Vaux and Olmsted founded Olmsted, Vaux and Co., which went on to design [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect Park]] and [[Fort Greene Park]] in [[Brooklyn]], and [[Morningside Park (New York City)|Morningside Park]] in [[Manhattan]]. In [[Chicago]], they planned one of the first suburbs for the [[Riverside, Illinois|Riverside Improvement Company]] in 1868. They also were commissioned to design a major park project in [[Buffalo, New York]], which included The Parade (now [[Martin Luther King, Jr. Park]]), The Park (now the [[Delaware Park-Front Park System|Delaware Park]]), and The Front (now simply [[Delaware Park-Front Park System|Front Park]]).  
In 1865, Vaux and Olmsted founded Olmsted, Vaux and Co., which went on to design [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect Park]] and [[Fort Greene Park]] in [[Brooklyn]], and [[Morningside Park (New York City)|Morningside Park]] in [[Manhattan]]. In [[Chicago]], they planned one of the first suburbs for the [[Riverside, Illinois|Riverside Improvement Company]] in 1868. They also were commissioned to design a major park project in [[Buffalo, New York]], which included The Parade (now [[Martin Luther King, Jr. Park]]), The Park (now the [[Delaware Park-Front Park System|Delaware Park]]), and The Front (now simply [[Delaware Park-Front Park System|Front Park]]).


Vaux designed many structures to beautify the parks, but most of these have been demolished. Vaux also designed a large Canadian city park in the city of [[Saint John, New Brunswick]] called [[Rockwood Park, Saint John|Rockwood Park]]. It is one of the largest of its kind in Canada.  
Vaux designed many structures to beautify the parks, but most of these have been demolished. Vaux also designed a large Canadian city park in the city of [[Saint John, New Brunswick]] called [[Rockwood Park, Saint John|Rockwood Park]]. It is one of the largest of its kind in Canada.


In 1871, the partners designed the grounds of the [[H. H. Richardson Complex|New York State Hospital for the Insane]] in Buffalo and the [[Hudson River State Hospital|Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane]] in [[Poughkeepsie (town), New York|Poughkeepsie]].
In 1871, the partners designed the grounds of the [[H. H. Richardson Complex|New York State Hospital for the Insane]] in Buffalo and the [[Hudson River State Hospital|Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane]] in [[Poughkeepsie (town), New York|Poughkeepsie]].
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Famous [[New York City]] buildings Vaux designed are the [[Samuel J. Tilden House]], and the original Ruskinian Gothic buildings, now largely invisible from exterior view, of the [[American Museum of Natural History]] and the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]. In addition to the New York buildings, Vaux also was the  architect for [[The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital]] in [[Towson, Maryland]].
Famous [[New York City]] buildings Vaux designed are the [[Samuel J. Tilden House]], and the original Ruskinian Gothic buildings, now largely invisible from exterior view, of the [[American Museum of Natural History]] and the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]. In addition to the New York buildings, Vaux also was the  architect for [[The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital]] in [[Towson, Maryland]].


Less familiar are twelve projects Vaux designed for the [[Children's Aid Society]] in partnership with Radford; the [[Fourteenth Ward Industrial School]] (1889), pp. 256-258 Mott Street, facing the churchyard of [[St. Patrick's Old Cathedral]],<ref>[http://www.nysonglines.com/mott.htm New York songlines.com: Mott Street]; [http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/the-masterpiece-next-door/a257d22de9ede0b66f1d108cc323b5f4 The Masterpiece next door: Fourteenth Ward Industrial School] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406104913/http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/the-masterpiece-next-door/a257d22de9ede0b66f1d108cc323b5f4 |date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> and the Elizabeth Home for Girls (1892), 307 East 12th Street, both survive and are landmarked.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=2008-06-08 |title=A House of Refuge, With Stories to Tell |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/realestate/08scap.html |access-date=2023-02-09 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Less familiar are twelve projects Vaux designed for the [[Children's Aid Society]] in partnership with Radford; the [[Fourteenth Ward Industrial School]] (1889), pp.&nbsp;256–258 Mott Street, facing the churchyard of [[St. Patrick's Old Cathedral]],<ref>[http://www.nysonglines.com/mott.htm New York songlines.com: Mott Street]; [http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/the-masterpiece-next-door/a257d22de9ede0b66f1d108cc323b5f4 The Masterpiece next door: Fourteenth Ward Industrial School] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406104913/http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/the-masterpiece-next-door/a257d22de9ede0b66f1d108cc323b5f4 |date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> and the Elizabeth Home for Girls (1892), 307 East 12th Street, both survive and are landmarked.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=2008-06-08 |title=A House of Refuge, With Stories to Tell |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/realestate/08scap.html |access-date=2023-02-09 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
[[File:Downing Park, Newburgh, NY - 1.JPG|thumb|[[Downing Park (Newburgh, New York)|Downing Park, Newburgh, NY]] (1889)]]
[[File:Downing Park, Newburgh, NY - 1.JPG|thumb|[[Downing Park (Newburgh, New York)|Downing Park, Newburgh, NY]] (1889)]]
The last collaboration between Vaux and Olmsted was [[Downing Park (Newburgh, New York)|Downing Park]] in Newburgh, given to the memory of Downing. Divided into two sections, a hillside landscape and a meadow, the partners handled each differently, connecting them via paths. After Vaux's death, his son Downing completed the grounds, adding a [[Conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]] of his own design. [[John Charles Olmsted|John C. Olmstead]] completed his father's portion as he had become gravely ill and could not return to Newburgh.<ref>Kowsky, pp. 317–319</ref>
The last collaboration between Vaux and Olmsted was [[Downing Park (Newburgh, New York)|Downing Park]] in Newburgh, given to the memory of Downing. Divided into two sections, a hillside landscape and a meadow, the partners handled each differently, connecting them via paths. After Vaux's death, his son Downing completed the grounds, adding a [[Conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]] of his own design. [[John Charles Olmsted|John C. Olmstead]] completed his father's portion as he had become gravely ill and could not return to Newburgh.<ref>Kowsky, pp. 317–319</ref>
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*[[c:File:E._S._Hall_House.png|Edward S. Hall House]] (project), [[Middletown, Connecticut|Middletown, CT]] (1853)
*[[c:File:E._S._Hall_House.png|Edward S. Hall House]] (project), [[Middletown, Connecticut|Middletown, CT]] (1853)
*Lydig M. Hoyt House, "[[Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park|The Point]]," [[Staatsburg, New York|Staatsburg, NY]] (1855), independently
*Lydig M. Hoyt House, "[[Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park|The Point]]," [[Staatsburg, New York|Staatsburg, NY]] (1855), independently
<ref>Kowsky, 28–42. The Culbert house remains ruined after a 1981 fire; the Findlay House no longer stands. </ref>
<ref>Kowsky, 28–42. The Culbert house remains ruined after a 1981 fire; the Findlay House no longer stands.</ref>


=== Vaux & Withers (1854–1856) ===
=== Vaux & Withers (1854–1856) ===
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*Thomas Earle House, [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester, MA]] (1856)  
*Thomas Earle House, [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester, MA]] (1856)  
* John A. C. Gray House, [[New York City|New York, NY]] (1856–57)
* John A. C. Gray House, [[New York City|New York, NY]] (1856–57)
<ref>Kowsky, 54–91. The Willis house still exists as a highly altered 1-story house, with Vaux's landscape eradicated. Wodenethe no longer stands, neither do the Bank of New York or Gray house. </ref>
<ref>Kowsky, 54–91. The Willis house still exists as a highly altered 1-story house, with Vaux's landscape eradicated. Wodenethe no longer stands, neither do the Bank of New York or Gray house.</ref>


=== Central Park structures (1857–1870) ===
=== Central Park structures (1857–1870) ===
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*Francis Tomes House, Greenwich, CT (1861) <ref>{{Cite web|title=Tomes-Higgins House|url=https://christchurchgreenwich.org/buildingsgrounds-2/tomes-higgins/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122225154/https://christchurchgreenwich.org/buildingsgrounds-2/tomes-higgins/ |archive-date=November 22, 2021 }}</ref>
*Francis Tomes House, Greenwich, CT (1861) <ref>{{Cite web|title=Tomes-Higgins House|url=https://christchurchgreenwich.org/buildingsgrounds-2/tomes-higgins/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122225154/https://christchurchgreenwich.org/buildingsgrounds-2/tomes-higgins/ |archive-date=November 22, 2021 }}</ref>
*Stephen B. Hammond House, "[[Ashcroft (Geneva, New York)|Ashcroft]]," [[Geneva, New York|Geneva, NY]] (1862)  
*Stephen B. Hammond House, "[[Ashcroft (Geneva, New York)|Ashcroft]]," [[Geneva, New York|Geneva, NY]] (1862)  
<ref>Kowsky, 141–48. The Brooks house no longer stands. The Berreda house has seen various alterations, chiefly the removal of a tower. </ref>
<ref>Kowsky, 141–48. The Brooks house no longer stands. The Berreda house has seen various alterations, chiefly the removal of a tower.</ref>


=== Vaux, Withers & Co. (1863–1871) ===
=== Vaux, Withers & Co. (1863–1871) ===
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* [[Grand Army of the Republic Hall (Worcester, Massachusetts)|George J. Bull House]], [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester, MA]] (1874–75)  
* [[Grand Army of the Republic Hall (Worcester, Massachusetts)|George J. Bull House]], [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester, MA]] (1874–75)  
* Design for New York City Prison, "[[The Tombs|Tombs]]," (1874)
* Design for New York City Prison, "[[The Tombs|Tombs]]," (1874)
<ref>Kowsky, 198–251. The Museum of Natural History no longer stands. </ref>
<ref>Kowsky, 198–251. The Museum of Natural History no longer stands.</ref>


=== Later career (1869–1889) ===
=== Later career (1869–1889) ===
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* [[Rockwood Park (Saint John, New Brunswick)]] (1894) <ref>{{cite web |title=Rockwood Park |url=https://stonehammergeopark.com/geosites/rockwood-park/ |publisher=Stonehammer |access-date=24 April 2025}}</ref>
* [[Rockwood Park (Saint John, New Brunswick)]] (1894) <ref>{{cite web |title=Rockwood Park |url=https://stonehammergeopark.com/geosites/rockwood-park/ |publisher=Stonehammer |access-date=24 April 2025}}</ref>
* [[Downing Park (Newburgh, New York)|Downing Park]], [[Newburgh, New York|Newburgh, NY]] (1889), with Olmsted
* [[Downing Park (Newburgh, New York)|Downing Park]], [[Newburgh, New York|Newburgh, NY]] (1889), with Olmsted
<ref>Kowsky, 261–319. The Pumpelly house no longer stands. </ref>
<ref>Kowsky, 261–319. The Pumpelly house no longer stands.</ref>


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* Kowsky, Francis R. ''Country, Park, & City: The Architecture and Life of Calvert Vaux''. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.  
* Kowsky, Francis R. ''Country, Park, & City: The Architecture and Life of Calvert Vaux''. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.


==References==
==References==
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* ''[https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73830 Description of a plan for the improvement of the Central Park]'' (1858), [[Frederick Law Olmsted]] and Calvert Vaux. New York: The Aldine Press
* ''[https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73830 Description of a plan for the improvement of the Central Park]'' (1858), [[Frederick Law Olmsted]] and Calvert Vaux. New York: The Aldine Press
{{Portal|Biography}}
{{Portal|Biography}}
{{wikisource author}}
{{wikisource|works=or}}
*{{Find a Grave|20972}}
*{{Find a Grave|20972}}
{{commons category|Calvert Vaux}}
{{commons category|Calvert Vaux}}

Latest revision as of 15:41, 7 June 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Template wrapper".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".

Calvert Vaux FAIA (Template:IPAc-en; December 20, 1824 – November 19, 1895) was an English-American architect and landscape designer. He and his protégé Frederick Law Olmsted designed parks such as Central Park and Prospect Park in New York City and the Delaware Park–Front Park System in Buffalo, New York.

Vaux, on his own and in various partnerships, designed and created dozens of parks across the northeastern United States, most famously in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Buffalo in New York. He introduced new ideas about the significance of public parks in America during a hectic time of urbanization. This industrialization of the cityscape inspired Vaux to focus on the integration of buildings, bridges, and other forms of architecture into their natural surroundings. He favored naturalistic and curvilinear lines in his designs.

In addition to landscape architecture, Vaux was a highly-sought after architect until the 1870s, when his modes of design could not endure the country's return to classical forms. His partnership with Andrew Jackson Downing, a major figure in horticulture, landscape design, and domestic architecture, brought him from London to Newburgh, New York, in 1850. There, Downing's praise of Gothic Revival and Italianate architecture contributed to Vaux's personal growth as a designer of homes and landscapes. After Downing's sudden death in 1852, Vaux was left with their assistant Frederick Clarke Withers to continue Downing's legacy. He left Newburgh in 1856 to grow his practice in New York City, where he began, received and completed commissions with Olmsted, Withers, and Jacob Wrey Mould. As a result, Vaux's name was frequently overshadowed by other designers, such as Olmsted, yet the contemporary American public still recognized his talents.

Early life

Born in London to a physician, Vaux was baptized at St Benet Gracechurch on February 9, 1825. He trained as an apprentice under the architect Lewis Nockalls Cottingham, a leader of the Gothic Revival movement interested in Tudor architecture.[1] Vaux trained under Cottingham until the age of twenty-six, also befriending George Godwin and George Truefitt during his studies.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

First partnership

In 1850, Vaux exhibited a series of watercolor landscapes that he made while en route to the United States that caught the attention of Andrew Jackson Downing, a noted landscape architect in Newburgh, New York. Rejected in his offer to Alexander Jackson Davis to form a partnership, Downing traveled to London in search of a new architect who would complement his architectural vision.[2] He believed that architecture should be visually integrated into the surrounding landscape, and wanted to work with someone who was equally passionate. Vaux accepted the opportunity and subsequently moved to the United States. Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Vaux worked with Downing for two years and became a firm partner. Together, they designed many projects such as the White House grounds and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Vaux's work on the Smithsonian inspired him to write an article in 1852 for The Horticulturalist, of which Downing was the editor. In his publication, he argued that the government should recognize and support the arts. Shortly afterward, Downing died in a steamboat accident.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Vaux & Withers

After Downing's death, Vaux gained control of the firm. As a partner, he hired Frederick Clarke Withers, who was already working at the company.[3] In two separate periods of partnership, interrupted by the Civil War, their projects included multiple houses in Newburgh, the Hudson River State Hospital, and the Jefferson Market Courthouse.

U.S. citizenship, affiliations, and publishing

Script error: No such module "Unsubst". In 1856, he gained U.S. citizenship and became identified with New York City's artistic community, “the guild,” joining the National Academy of Design, as well as the Century Club.

In 1857, he became one of the founding members of the American Institute of Architects.

Script error: No such module "anchor". Also in 1857, Vaux published Villas and Cottages, which was an influential pattern book that determined the standards for “Victorian Gothic” architecture.

These particular writings revealed his acknowledgment and tribute to Ruskin and Ralph Waldo Emerson, as well as to his former partner Downing. These people, among others, influenced him intellectually and in his design path.

Collaboration with Olmsted

Template:More citations needed

File:New York City-Manhattan-Central Park (Gentry).jpg
New York City's Central Park
File:Olana, August 2015.jpg
Olana, a collaboration with Frederic Church (1870–72)

In 1857, Vaux recruited Frederick Law Olmsted, who had never before designed a landscape plan, to help with the Greensward Plan, which would become New York City's Central Park. They obtained the commission through the Greensward Plan, an excellent presentation that drew upon Vaux's talents in landscape drawing to include before-and-after sketches of the site. Together, they fought many political battles to make sure their original design remained intact and was carried out. All of the built features of Central Park were of his design; Bethesda Terrace is a good example.

In 1865, Vaux and Olmsted founded Olmsted, Vaux and Co., which went on to design Prospect Park and Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, and Morningside Park in Manhattan. In Chicago, they planned one of the first suburbs for the Riverside Improvement Company in 1868. They also were commissioned to design a major park project in Buffalo, New York, which included The Parade (now Martin Luther King, Jr. Park), The Park (now the Delaware Park), and The Front (now simply Front Park).

Vaux designed many structures to beautify the parks, but most of these have been demolished. Vaux also designed a large Canadian city park in the city of Saint John, New Brunswick called Rockwood Park. It is one of the largest of its kind in Canada.

In 1871, the partners designed the grounds of the New York State Hospital for the Insane in Buffalo and the Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane in Poughkeepsie.

In 1872, Vaux dissolved the partnership and went on to form an architectural partnership with George K. Radford and Samuel Parsons. In that same year he completed work on Olana, the home of artist Frederic Edwin Church, who collaborated with Vaux on the mansion's design.[4]

Famous New York City buildings Vaux designed are the Samuel J. Tilden House, and the original Ruskinian Gothic buildings, now largely invisible from exterior view, of the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In addition to the New York buildings, Vaux also was the architect for The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital in Towson, Maryland.

Less familiar are twelve projects Vaux designed for the Children's Aid Society in partnership with Radford; the Fourteenth Ward Industrial School (1889), pp. 256–258 Mott Street, facing the churchyard of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral,[5] and the Elizabeth Home for Girls (1892), 307 East 12th Street, both survive and are landmarked.[6]

File:Downing Park, Newburgh, NY - 1.JPG
Downing Park, Newburgh, NY (1889)

The last collaboration between Vaux and Olmsted was Downing Park in Newburgh, given to the memory of Downing. Divided into two sections, a hillside landscape and a meadow, the partners handled each differently, connecting them via paths. After Vaux's death, his son Downing completed the grounds, adding a conservatory of his own design. John C. Olmstead completed his father's portion as he had become gravely ill and could not return to Newburgh.[7]

Death

On November 19, 1895, Vaux accidentally drowned in Gravesend Bay in Brooklyn while visiting his son Downing. He is buried in Kingston, New York's Montrepose Cemetery. In 1998, the city of New York dedicated Calvert Vaux Park, situated in Gravesend overlooking the bay, to him.[8]

Personal life

In 1854, Vaux married Mary Swan McEntee, the sister of Jervis McEntee, a Hudson River School painter. They had two sons (Calvert and Downing) and two daughters (Helen and Julia).

Selected architectural works

Downing & Vaux (1850–1852)

Sole partner

[9]

Vaux & Withers (1854–1856)

[10]

Central Park structures (1857–1870)

[11]

Country houses (1856–1863)

[13]

Vaux, Withers & Co. (1863–1871)

[14]

Later career (1869–1889)

[16]

Sources

  • Kowsky, Francis R. Country, Park, & City: The Architecture and Life of Calvert Vaux. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

References

Template:Reflist

External links

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Template:Sister project

Template:Central Park Template:Authority control

  1. ↑ Kowsky, 15–16
  2. ↑ Kowsky, pp. 12–14, 23.
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ New York songlines.com: Mott Street; The Masterpiece next door: Fourteenth Ward Industrial School Template:Webarchive
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Kowsky, pp. 317–319
  8. ↑ Calvert Vaux Park, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Accessed September 8, 2007.
  9. ↑ Kowsky, 28–42. The Culbert house remains ruined after a 1981 fire; the Findlay House no longer stands.
  10. ↑ Kowsky, 54–91. The Willis house still exists as a highly altered 1-story house, with Vaux's landscape eradicated. Wodenethe no longer stands, neither do the Bank of New York or Gray house.
  11. ↑ Kowsky, 103–135, 189–94
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Kowsky, 141–48. The Brooks house no longer stands. The Berreda house has seen various alterations, chiefly the removal of a tower.
  14. ↑ Kowsky, 198–251. The Museum of Natural History no longer stands.
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Kowsky, 261–319. The Pumpelly house no longer stands.
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