Monday, March 17, 2014

"KILLENWORTH" Perspective from the North Shore

SHOWING THE BEAUTY TO BE GAINED FROM A VERY SIMPLE DESIGN WELL CONSTRUCTED, WITH UNUSUAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO SHAPE, PLACING AND GROUPING OF WINDOWS. 


  "KILLENWORTH", Trowbridge and Ackerman, architects, rather imposing in its size, though evidently a wealthy home, is beautifully free from ostentation. The uselessness of Newport finds no counterpart here; on the other hand, the very style of the building expresses intelligence and refinement. The use of English traditions in its construction is not akin to plagiarism, for no one can contradict our right to express ourselves in the old architectural language so long as we use it honestly, free from mannerisms which mean nothing, and singularities which ought to be no part of us. Besides, no other style lends itself more readily than this English form to an unsymmetrical plan.

   A more delightful example than "Killenworth" could hardly be found of what mere windows can attain. In this building the windows are the very life and essence of the place, not just so many glass-filled openings in a wall. Their beautiful balance and relation, the pleasant way they grow out of the structure, capped by balconies, and emphasized by the protecting gables above, permeate the whole building with interest and invest it with reminiscent touches of romance.

   Follow THIS LINK for all posts related to "Killenworth", the George D. Pratt estate located in Glen Cove, Long Island.



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