191 p. : ill. (some col.), plans (some col.) ; 29 cm
Type:
Biography
Place:
United States
Date:
2007
C2007
Contents:
Formative years -- Hartford : public works -- Hartford : private commissions -- "Beautifying country homes" -- New York : Olmsted alliance -- Midwest : Iowa and Chicago -- "American garden architecture" and "Modern cemeteries" -- New York : "Commencing new."
Summary:
"For over a century, Jacob Weidenmann's eminence as a landscape architect has been veiled in a cloud of obscurity. One reason for this regrettable void is that his career was entwined with those of several other practitioners of the nineteenth century, particularly that of his famous friend, Frederick Law Olmsted. Scholars have found difficulty in disentangling these relationships, and in determining which of them can be credited to Weidenmann." "Favretti has achieved this mission after many years of arduous research. This volume presents an account of Weidenmann's life (1829-1893) with particular emphasis on his distinguished career. His practice began in New York and the surrounding region immediately after his migration from Switzerland in 1856. Two of his grandest projects remain in Hartford, Connecticut - Bushnell Park and Cedar Hill Cemetery - both still faithful to his plan and still in use. The Grand Stair Plaza, at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, stands as a monument to his work in the Midwest." "Weidenmann's nineteen year alliance with Olmsted is carefully recorded, as are his own private commissions and numerous writings. Each commission is brought to life with client anecdotes, and most are well illustrated with plans, sketches, and drawings. Weidenmann's role as a pioneer in establishing the newly emerging profession of landscape architecture is carefully documented. His advocacy for the establishment of academic programs in the field laid the foundation for accredited landscape architecture schools at our leading universities." "Jacob Weidenmann, Pioneer Landscape Architect, is thoroughly researched and contains a complete bibliography and index. The book is 192 pages in length, with 24 color illustrations, 22 duotones, and 10 black and white plans and sketches."--BOOK JACKET.
