January 13, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ray Ladd
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
(805) 756-7432
rladd@calpoly.edu
Cal Poly to Exhibit Historic Building Materials Jan. 30 - Feb. 16
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Ornamental details salvaged from historic buildings, including an auditorium in Memphis where Elvis often performed, will be on display Monday, Jan. 30 through Thursday, Feb. 16, at Cal Poly.
The free exhibit offers the public a rare opportunity to view Architecture Professor Howard Weisenthal’s personal collection of hard-to-find brick, cast iron and terra cotta pieces from the 1890s through 1930. The collection may be viewed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m-5 p.m. in the lobby of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Weisenthal will host free public tours at 10 each morning, and students will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions.
Highlights of the exhibit include a variety of cast iron tie-rod ends in the form of five- or six-point stars, terra cotta architecture elements from historic buildings, and many handmade bricks with various geometric and intricate floral patterns, such as honeysuckle, in deep relief. Some of the brick and many of the terra cotta pieces still have fingerprints of the artisans on them after more than 100 years.
In all, there are 40 brick pieces, 20 cast iron relics and 15 delicate terra cotta elements. Weisenthal’s collection comes from Canada, Great Britain and the United States. He acquired them through building demolition companies and antique stores or located them in building material salvage yards.
“To me, these ancient building components made of simple natural materials express the unbound creativity of man and tell stories of the social, political and economic nature of the time,” said Weisenthal.
In addition to the artifacts, student drawings in the beaux arts
style will be displayed with lists of historical facts. For further
details call the Architecture Department at 756-1316.
Editors: Graphics are available via e-mail. Call Ray Ladd at
756-7432 to arrange a private tour and interview with Weisenthal.
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