Claude Fayette Bragdon was an American architect, writer, and stage designer who wore many hats throughout his career. Here's a breakdown of his life:
Early Life and Architectural Career:
- Born in Oberlin, Ohio in 1866, Bragdon spent most of his life in New York [Wikipedia].
- By 16, he was apprenticed to an architect in Oswego, New York, launching his architectural career [Theosophy & ARTS].
- He became a successful architect, establishing his own firm in Rochester [Wikipedia].
- Some of his notable architectural works include the New York Central Railroad Station in Rochester and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce [Wikipedia].
- Bragdon followed the design philosophy of "form follows function," championed by Louis H. Sullivan [Theosophy & ARTS].
Beyond Architecture: Theosophy and Artistic Pursuits
- Bragdon was a follower of Theosophy, a spiritual movement that influenced his work [Theosophy Wiki].
- He founded the Manas Press, which published influential works like P.D. Ouspensky's "Tertium Organum" [Theosophy Wiki].
- His artistic interests extended to book cover design, with creations for works by Dostoevsky and others [Theosophy Wiki].
Legacy
- Claude Fayette Bragdon left a mark as a multifaceted figure in American art and architecture.
- He bridged the gap between his architectural practice and his interest in Theosophy, which some described as "Theosophy in stone" [Theosophy & ARTS].
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