The Residential Architecture of Frank Furness

(American, 1839-1912)

Although Furness' buildings were influenced by the architecture of his day (Romanesque, Shingle Style), his buildings are are among the most distinct in all of the United States. The distinction comes from the way he used the various traditional architectural elements - composing them in original ways with unusual juxtapositions, and often wildly altering the scale. He apprenticed with Richard Morris Hunt. His practice was mainly in the Philadelphia area, although his work spread to the midwest via his disciple Louis Sullivan. His influence is said to have shaped the "Philadelphia School" led by Louis Kahn and Robert Venturi.

Mantel detail, Emlen Physick house, Cape May, NJ, 1878

"Stanwood," Bar Harbor, ME, 1885

Architectural History Links by Felhandler/Steeneken Architects