Lord & Burnham

Lord & Burnham was a renowned company specializing in the design and construction of greenhouses, conservatories, and other horticultural structures, founded by Frederick Lord and William Burnham in 1849. The company's expertise in glasshouse construction led to collaborations with prominent landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted, Calvert Vaux, and Beatrix Farrand. Lord & Burnham's work can be seen in various botanical gardens, including the New York Botanical Garden and the United States Botanic Garden. The company's innovative designs and constructions were also showcased at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.

● History

The history of Lord & Burnham dates back to 1849 when Frederick Lord and William Burnham established the company in Irvington, New York. Initially, the company focused on constructing greenhouses for local nurseries and estates, including those of Jay Gould and William Vanderbilt. As the company grew, it began to work with notable architects such as Richard Morris Hunt and Stanford White, designing and building conservatories for The Breakers and The Elms. Lord & Burnham's work also extended to universities and research institutions, including Harvard University and the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The company's contributions to horticulture and architecture were recognized through awards and exhibitions, such as the Paris Exposition and the Pan-American Exposition.

● Products

Lord & Burnham's product line included a wide range of greenhouses, conservatories, and other horticultural structures, such as cold frames, hotbeds, and trellises. The company was known for its innovative use of materials, including glass, wood, and metal, and its designs often incorporated advanced irrigation systems and heating systems. Lord & Burnham's products were used in various settings, from small backyard gardens to large commercial nurseries, and were popular among amateur gardeners and professional horticulturists alike, including Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The company's products were also used in parks and gardens designed by Olmsted Brothers and Gilbert Laing Meason.

● Innovations

Lord & Burnham was at the forefront of innovation in greenhouse design and construction, introducing new materials and techniques that improved the efficiency and durability of their structures. The company developed a patented glazing system that allowed for larger panes of glass to be used, increasing the amount of natural light that could enter the greenhouse. Lord & Burnham also experimented with new materials, such as aluminum and plastic, and developed advanced climate control systems that enabled precise control over temperature, humidity, and lighting. The company's innovations were influenced by the work of scientists such as Gregor Mendel and Luther Burbank, and were showcased at exhibitions and conferences, including the World's Columbian Exposition and the International Horticultural Congress.

● Notable Projects

Lord & Burnham worked on numerous notable projects throughout its history, including the construction of greenhouses for the White House and the United States Department of Agriculture. The company designed and built conservatories for estates such as The Biltmore Estate and Hearst Castle, and created horticultural displays for world's fairs and expositions, including the 1904 World's Fair and the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Lord & Burnham's work can also be seen in parks and gardens such as Central Park and the Golden Gate Park, which were designed by landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted and John McLaren. The company's projects often involved collaborations with other notable companies, including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Graham, Anderson, Probst & White.

● Legacy

The legacy of Lord & Burnham can be seen in the many greenhouses, conservatories, and horticultural structures that the company designed and built over the years. The company's innovative designs and constructions have influenced the development of horticulture and architecture, and its work continues to be studied by historians and architects today, including Vincent Scully and Robert A.M. Stern. Lord & Burnham's contributions to the field of horticulture have been recognized through awards and honors, including the American Horticultural Society's Great American Gardeners award, and the company's work has been featured in various publications, including The Garden Magazine and House & Garden. The company's legacy extends beyond its own work, as it has inspired a new generation of horticulturists and architects, including Dan Kiley and Peter Walker. Category:Companies established in 1849