Richard Morris Hunt: The Collector - Paperback

by Sam Watters (Author)

This richly illustrated, Gilded Age inspired sketchbook reveals a fascinating side of a titan of American architecture alongside pages for a reader's own expressions of beauty.

Considered the preeminent nineteenth century American architect, Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895) designed some of the greatest landmarks of the Gilded Age such as the Vanderbilt mansions, including Biltmore, the Breakers, Marble House and more. Part of the unique milieu of Hunt's inspiration was his devotion to the art of collecting. From fine art and jewelry to antiques and collectables, Hunt scoured Europe and America for objects of interest. He kept extensive sketchbooks of his drawings and notes that reveal not only his collecting mindset, but the ideas, aesthetics and inspirations that shaped his approach to architecture.

Author Sam Watters presents a glimpse inside the creative mind of Richard Morris Hunt, and explores a historic and elegant world of beauty. Including pages for sketches and notes inspired by Hunt's designs.

Author Biography

Sam Watters lectures and writes about forces that shaped American art, architecture, and landscape before World War II. An author of numerous books, columns, and essays, his first volume in association with the Library of Congress, Gardens for a Beautiful America 1895-1935: Photographs by Frances Benjamin Johnston (2012), won the Botanical and Horticultural Libraries Annual Literature Award. His biography The Gilded Life of Richard Morris Hunt: Architecture and Art for an American Civilization

(2024) is the definitive story of Richard Morris Hunt's life and work. He lives in New York and California.