Sullivaniana Collection
1780-2018 (bulk 1870-1930)
Louis H. Sullivan (1856-1924)
The Sullivaniana collection is largely the gift of George Elmslie, one of Sullivan’s last colleagues and the executor of his estate. This grouping forms the largest extant collection of Sullivan documents (excluding architectural and design drawings). Among Sullivan’s contributions to the development of modern American architecture was the new aesthetic for the visual organization of tall buildings: a strong base at grade level, top floors capped with an eye-arresting cornice, and the general office floors in the central shaft repeatable ad infinitum. Sullivan was one of the most prolific architect/critics of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and numerous draft manuscripts and typescripts of his writings are held in this collection. Also included are sketches, personal and business correspondence, personal and project photographs, and memorabilia.
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See also: Louis Sullivan Collection
See also: Louis Sullivan Buildings Extant in Chicago
Collection access:
Collections may be accessed in the Franke Reading Room of the Research Center at The Art Institute of Chicago, by appointment only. For further information, consult the FAQ.
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Contact the Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives:
archives@artic.edu
Printed papers, correspondence, manuscripts, black and white photographic prints, and realia.