John Fitchen papers, 1927-1989

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Summary

Creators:

Bucher, François, Conant, Kenneth John, 1894-1984, Fitchen, John, Placzek, Adolf K., McKee, Harley J., Macaulay, David, Hubka, Thomas C., 1946-, Horn, Walter William, 1908-1995, Heyman, Jacques, Harvey, John, 1911-1997, Wachs, William Carl, Van Nise, Robert L., and Szarmach, Paul E.

Abstract:

American architect and architectural historian. Most of the research materials relate to three of Fitchen's books: Construction of Gothic Cathedrals, The New World Dutch Barn, and Building Construction Before Mechanization. Other papers include designs, drawings, and sketchbooks, as well as correspondence with numerous architectural historians, primarily on the subject of medieval architecture.

Extent:

4 Linear Feet (10 boxes)

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

John Fitchen papers, 1927-1989, Research Library, The Getty Research Institute, Accession number 910018.

http://hdl.handle.net/10020/cifa910018

Background

Scope and content:: The Fitchen papers comprise research materials, manuscripts, correspondence, photographs and reviews for his publications, especially for his 3 books: Construction of Gothic cathedrals, New World Dutch barn, and Building construction before mechanization. Manuscripts and printed materials document numerous articles and lectures by Fitchen. Other files contain material for unpublished projects, including his manuscript "Plot, plan and perspective." Sketches and drawings document Fitchen's designs for bookplates and buildings, including some done as a student. A sketchbook contains drawings of American Dutch barns. Correspondence with more than a dozen architectural historians centers largely on the subject of medieval architecture and construction.
Biographical / historical:: John Fitchen, American architectural historian and architect, is the author of several works, among them, Construction of Gothic cathedrals (1961, 1981), New World Dutch barn (1968), and Building construction before mechanization (1986). He attended Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, where he studied with Kenneth John Conant and developed an abiding interest in medieval construction techniques.
Processing information:: Teresa Morales processed the collection in 1996.
Arrangement:: The papers are arranged in three series: Series I. Research for major publications, ca. 1927-1986; Series II. Student work, manuscripts, lectures, drawings, ca. 1927-1989; Series III. Correspondence, ca. 1954-1984.
Physical location:: Request access to the physical materials described in this inventory through the catalog record for this collection. Click here for the access policy.
Rules or conventions:: archives, personal papers, and manuscripts

Access and use

Restrictions:: Open for use by qualified researchers.
Terms of access:: Contact Library Rights and Reproductions.