Historical Architecture Buildings in Newton by H. H. Richardson
Henry Hobson Richardson (September 29, 1838 – April 27, 1886) was a prominent American architect who designed buildings in Albany, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and other cities. The style he popularized is named for him: Richardsonian Romanesque. Along with Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Richardson is one of “the recognized trinity of American architecture”.
He’s the Frank Lloyd Wright of Newton!
Interested in learning more about H. H. Richardson? Click on image of any of these books.
H. H. Richardson also did a fair number of buildings in Newton and many still remain intact! One element that defines Richardson’s style is the use of two colored rough hewn stone. He uses this architectural “vocabulary” in all his buildings yet despite the heaviness and solidity of the stonework, his buildings have grace and lightness from his abundant use of arches. It’s Ancient Egypt Pyramids Meets Roman Arches!
Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston. This is NOT in Boston but is considered his finest work. You can see how he developed his architectural “vocabulary” from earlier projects. The two different tones of stone, repeated arches supported by pillars, and surprisingly gracefulness and lightless for a structure built of stone. (more…)