Calvert Vaux

Calvert Vaux was a renowned British American landscape architect who is best known for his work on Central Park in New York City with his partner Frederick Law Olmsted. Vaux's designs were influenced by his travels to Europe, particularly England, France, and Italy, where he studied the works of André Le Nôtre and Capability Brown. He was also inspired by the Hudson River School of landscape painting, which emphasized the beauty of the American wilderness. Vaux's work had a significant impact on the development of landscape architecture in the United States, and he is considered one of the founders of the profession.

● Early Life and Education

Calvert Vaux was born in London, England in 1824 to a family of Church of England clergy. He was educated at University College London and later studied architecture under Lewis N. Cottingham in London. Vaux's early work was influenced by the Gothic Revival style, which was popular in England during the 19th century. He was also influenced by the works of Augustus Pugin and John Ruskin, who were leading figures in the Gothic Revival movement. In 1850, Vaux emigrated to the United States, where he settled in New York City and began working as a landscape architect.

● Career

Vaux's career as a landscape architect began in the United States, where he worked on several projects, including the design of Llewellyn Park in New Jersey. He also worked on the design of the Smithsonian Institution's United States National Museum in Washington, D.C.. In 1857, Vaux entered a competition to design Central Park in New York City, which he won in partnership with Frederick Law Olmsted. The design of Central Park was influenced by the works of Joseph Paxton and John Claudius Loudon, who were leading figures in the development of public parks in England. Vaux and Olmsted's design for Central Park featured a large lake, several walking trails, and a variety of plant species. The park was designed to provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it quickly became a popular destination for New Yorkers.

● Notable Works

Some of Vaux's most notable works include the design of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York City, which he designed in partnership with Frederick Law Olmsted. He also worked on the design of the United States Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C., which featured a large lawn and several walking trails. Vaux's design for the Capitol grounds was influenced by the works of L'Enfant, who designed the original plan for Washington, D.C.. Vaux also worked on the design of the Brooklyn Museum's botanic garden, which featured a variety of plant species from around the world. Other notable works by Vaux include the design of Morningside Park in Manhattan, New York City, and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens in Buffalo, New York.

● Personal Life

Vaux was married to Mary McEntee, and the couple had several children together. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and the New York City Art Commission. Vaux was also a fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, which he helped to found in 1899. He was a close friend of Frederick Law Olmsted, with whom he collaborated on several projects, including the design of Central Park and Prospect Park. Vaux was also friends with other notable figures of the time, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who were leading figures in the Transcendentalist movement.

● Legacy

Vaux's legacy as a landscape architect is still celebrated today, and his designs continue to influence the development of public parks and gardens around the world. He is considered one of the founders of the profession of landscape architecture in the United States, and his work on Central Park and other projects helped to establish the importance of public parks in urban planning. Vaux's designs were also influenced by his interest in social reform, and he believed that public parks could play an important role in promoting public health and social justice. Today, Vaux's work can be seen in parks and gardens across the United States, including Central Park, Prospect Park, and the United States Capitol grounds. His legacy continues to inspire landscape architects and urban planners around the world, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and I.M. Pei. Category:American landscape architects