SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State Jesse White, the Central
Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
and Renaissance Architects, Inc. of Springfield will soon be
presenting the traveling panel exhibition, George Washington,
Architect, in the atrium of the Illinois State Library, 300 S.
Second Street in Springfield.
The exhibition will open to the public from Friday, July 28,
through Sunday, Sept. 3. The Illinois State Library is the third
site nationally to host the exhibit.
The exhibit explores a little-known aspect of George
Washington’s life as a highly accomplished, self-taught builder
whose home at Mount Vernon has become an icon for early American
design.
"We’re proud to be part of bringing this wonderful
architectural exhibit to Illinois," said Secretary White.
Divided into four parts, George Washington, Architect
examines Washington’s influences, his design and building efforts
at his Virginia plantation, his vision of a grand American
capital city and his architectural legacy. The exhibition
explores the character of the man, his life and his times through
the prism of the 18th century.
The exhibition offers more than 90 artifacts, drawings,
manuscripts and paintings that explore Washington’s role not only
in the design of Mount Vernon but in the nation’s capital that
bears his name.
Unlike Thomas Jefferson, George Washington never attended
college or traveled in Europe. He formed his ideas on design in
many ways, from reading English pattern books to seeking advice
from local workmen and neighbors.
For nearly two centuries, hundreds of architects have
adapted Washington’s designs for their own structures. The
exhibition’s section on Washington’s architectural legacy
proposes that George Washington created an architectural
vocabulary that was distinctly American. As noted by
architectural historian Richard Guy Wilson, "Mount Vernon is one
of the most widely imitated, if not the most copied house in this
country. Easily the most famous house in the United States."
The exhibition was organized by the American Architectural
Foundation in conjunction with the Mount Vernon Ladies
Association. After the close of the exhibition at the State
Library, the exhibit will continue to tour nationally.
The Illinois State Library Atrium will be open for extended
hours during the run of the exhibit. The public can view the free
exhibition from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
For additional information about George Washington,
Architect, contact the Illinois State Library at 1-800-665-5576,
Ext. 6; Renaissance Architects, Inc. at 217/753-1585, or Tracey
Owens of AIA at 217/522-2309.
