Purcell & Elmslie

Purcell and Elmslie: Prairie Progressives explores the work of two important members of the organic architecture movement, and celebrates their tremendously important contributions to American architecture and the Prairie School. Wishing to return to simplicity and honesty, Purcell and Elmslie created homes and buildings that were consistent with a democratic society-simple forms, the natural use of textural materials and decoration, and buildings that accommodated the nature of a site. As did Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Purcell and Elmslie held the conviction that a building does not end with its simple structure, but reaches its final and logical culmination in the clothing-color, situation and natural environment, together with its decoration of glass, terra-cotta, and other textural materials.

The firm of Purcell and Elmslie was tremendously successful in the sense that their small open-planned free-flowing houses could be shared by a great number of Americans of moderate means. Projects discussed in this book can be found throughout the Midwest, including Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and more. The time has come to recognize the work of these progressive architects of the Midwest.

Purcell and Elmslie: Prairie Progressives includes:

Comprehensive biographies of George Grant Elmslie and William Gray Purcell

The Work of the Firm

The Domestic and Non-Domestic Work of Purcell, Feick and Elmslie

Work after the Firm Broke Up

The Late Work of Purcell and Elmslie

A Catalog of Major Projects

William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie made important contributions to American architecture, particularly the Prairie School. Featuring high-quality color and b&w photography throughout, this volume celebrates their work, which was characterized by simple forms, sensitivity to natural surroundings, and the use of textural materials and decorations. Coverage includes both residences and commercial/institutional buildings. David Gebhard and Patricia Gebhard have written extensively on architectural history.
Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie made important contributions to American architecture, particularly the Prairie School. Featuring high-quality color and b&w photography throughout, this volume celebrates their work, which was characterized by simple forms, sensitivity to natural surroundings, and the use of textural materials and decorations. Coverage includes both residences and commercial/institutional buildings. David Gebhard and Patricia Gebhard have written extensively on architectural history. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Purcell and Elmslie: Prairie Progressives explores the work of two important members of the organic architecture movement, and celebrates their tremendously important contributions to American architecture and the Prairie School. Wishing to return to simplicity and honesty, Purcell and Elmslie created homes and buildings that were consistent with a democratic society-simple forms, the natural use of textural materials and decoration, and buildings that accommodated the nature of a site. As did Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Purcell and Elmslie held the conviction that a building does not end with its simple structure, but reaches its final and logical culmination in the clothing-color, situation and natural environment, together with its decoration of glass, terra-cotta, and other textural materials.

"A sumptuous, informative volume that should be welcomed by all those who appreciate the Arts and Crafts Movement. This book will likely remain the standard source for its subject for years to come." -Richard Longstreth, author of The Charnley House: Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Making of Chicago's Gold Coast.