Furness Library | Favorite Architecture

Share Top Five February 12, 2019

The Furness Library, officially known as the Fisher Fine Arts Library, is located in Philadelphia on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, on the east side of College Green. Designed by the acclaimed Philadelphia architect Frank Furness (1839–1912), the red sandstone, brick-and-terra-cotta Venetian Gothic giant—part fortress and part cathedral—was built to be the primary library of the University, and to house its archeological collection. The cornerstone was laid in October 1888, construction was completed in late 1890, and the building was dedicated in February 1891.Renamed the Furness Building after its architect, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985,More info:wiki

Below are photos and Images you may like:

#10 Fisher Fine Arts Library at the University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PA,More info:pinterest

#9 File:HK Furness Library.JPG,More info:wikimedia

#8 File:West facade of Furness Library, Univ. of Pennsylvania.jpg,More info:wikimedia

#7 11 fantastic buildings by Frank Furness in Philly,More info:philly.curbed

Frank Lloyd Wright continues to be one of the most influential architects today. But much of the architect’s design ethos was shaped by the great Louis Sullivan, who is often known as the “Father of Modernism.”

Yet the work of Sullivan was also shaped by another architect: Frank Furness of Philadelphia. At the early age of 17, Sullivan took on an apprenticeship at the office of Furness & Hewitt. Though brief, Furness managed to leave a lasting impression on the young designer, who would go onto describe Furness as someone who “made buildings out of his head.”

Furness, born on November 12, 1839, was a prolific architect. It’s estimated that he designed nearly 200 buildings, residences, churches, banks, and more between 1878 and 1906, but many of them have since met the wrecking ball or have been altered beyond recognition. Still, many of his showstoppers still remain in Philadelphia and the surrounding region, including these 10 fantastical works below.