Egerton Swartwout

Egerton Swartwout was a prominent American architect known for his work on various notable buildings, including the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Museum, in collaboration with Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells. Swartwout's designs were influenced by his studies at the Columbia University and his travels to Europe, where he was exposed to the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. His architectural style was also shaped by his involvement with the American Institute of Architects and his participation in the Paris Exposition.

● Early Life and Education

Egerton Swartwout was born in Buffalo, New York, to a family of Dutch Americans, and grew up in a culturally rich environment, surrounded by the works of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. He pursued his architectural education at the Columbia University, where he was taught by William Robert Ware and Arnold Brunner, and later at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, under the guidance of Jean-Louis Pascal and Gaston Redon. During his time in Paris, Swartwout was exposed to the works of Auguste Perret and Hector Guimard, which had a significant impact on his architectural style.

● Career

Swartwout's career as an architect began in the early 20th century, when he worked with McKim, Mead & White on various projects, including the Boston Public Library and the Pennsylvania Station in New York City. He later partnered with Raymond Hood to form the architectural firm Hood and Howells, which designed the Tribune Tower in Chicago and the New York Daily News Building in New York City. Swartwout's work was also influenced by his involvement with the Municipal Art Society and his participation in the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition.

● Notable Works

Some of Egerton Swartwout's most notable works include the New York Public Library, which was designed in collaboration with Carrère and Hastings, and the Brooklyn Museum, which was designed with Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells. His designs were also featured in the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco and the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Swartwout's work was recognized by the American Institute of Architects, which awarded him the Gold Medal in 1933, an honor also bestowed upon Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan.

● Personal Life

Egerton Swartwout was married to Emily Swartwout, and the couple had two children, Egerton Swartwout Jr. and Emily Swartwout. He was a member of the Century Association and the Grolier Club, and was known for his love of literature and art. Swartwout's personal life was also influenced by his friendships with Henry James and Edith Wharton, who were both prominent figures in New York City's literary and social circles.

● Legacy

Egerton Swartwout's legacy as an architect is still celebrated today, with many of his buildings being recognized as National Historic Landmarks, including the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Museum. His work has also been featured in various museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Swartwout's contributions to the field of architecture have been recognized by the American Institute of Architects, which has awarded numerous architects, including I.M. Pei and Frank Gehry, in his honor. Category:American architects