Identity:

Stanford White was a leading American architect in the firm of McKim, Mead and White.

Life:

White began his career designing 'shingle' style country houses and seaside 'cottages.' However he is particularly remembered for his gracefully proportioned public buildings with their Italian Renaissance style detailing. His best known works include Madison Square Garden (1891), the Washington Memorial Arch (1891) and the New York Herald Building (1892), all in New York city.

He was also responsible for the Boston Public Library, for which JW was asked to design a panel (Study for Three Decorative Panels Representing 'The Landing of Columbus', 'Queen Isabel la Católica of Spain' and 'Queen Elizabeth of England' (YMSM 396), Study for three decorative panels representing 'The Landing of Columbus', 'Queen Isabel la Catôlica of Spain', and 'Queen Elizabeth of England' for Boston Public Library, Massachusetts (M.1356)) in 1891. In addition, White designed jewellery, furniture and a number of interior schemes.

Whistler knew him in Paris during the early 1890s (#03724).

Bibliography:

Encyclopedia Britannica, on-line edition (accessed 5 July 2004); Baldwin, Charles C., Stanford White, New York, 1931.