Description
Louis Sullivan is recognized as being the “father of skyscrapers.” He was a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright and the inspiration for what became known as the Prairie School. The quote “form follows function” is attributed to him, but Sullivan credits the origin to an ancient Roman architect, and it became the prevailing tenant of modern architecture. The mass production of steel in the mid-1800s gave Sullivan the ability to create tall slender buildings by using a steel framework known as “column-frame” construction.
The Steel-Framed Skyscraper
In the 1880s an innovative style of architecture was developed using steel-framing and clad in masonry. The Home Insurance Building, constructed in 1885 by William LeBaron Jenney, is considered to be the world’s first skyscraper. This new construction technique was used by many architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Henry Hobson Richardson, and Daniel Burnham.
Prairie School Architecture
This distinctive architectural style was influenced by the international Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th and early 20th century. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, architects flocked to the area to participate in the building boom. These buildings were designed to integrate with the natural landscape, emphasizing horizontal lines, hipped roofs, overhanging eaves, and windows groups in straight bands. Frank Lloyd Wright referred to it as “organic architecture.”
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
