Join Joseph Cunningham, PhD, and explore the ornamental ironwork of Samuel Yellin (1884–1940) in Rochester with a focus on the superb grilles commissioned for George Eastman’s Conservatory in 1924, a breakthrough year for the ironworker. Analyze the naturalistic and stylized imagery in Eastman’s lunette and grille panels in the context of Yellin’s other Western New York commissions and his finest achievements around the country. Regarded during his lifetime and since as a quintessential master craftsman and innovator in design, this Ukrainian Jewish immigrant created elaborate, artistic works in wrought iron for sophisticated clients, including business titans and prominent tastemakers. Yellin’s work celebrated the traditions of European metalwork with extraordinary artisanry in a difficult medium and incorporated elements of key styles of early twentieth-century American design: Gothic Revival, Arts & Crafts and Art Deco.
The mansion will be open following the talk.
Free to all