01 Nov two historically important louis sullivan-designed artifacts added to the ever-growing bldg. 51 museum

i’m incredibly excited (and equally relieved) after some rather nerve-wracking auction bidding as of recent. i participated in a local auction that offered an amazingly large collection of louis sullivan-designed artifacts from various notable building commissions (e.g., stock exchange, guaranty building, etc.).  i managed to win a copper-plated cast iron elevator medallion from the schlesinger & mayer department store, along with an art glass window from the auditorium building. the medallion is no doubt the ultimate prize, which i consider to be on par with the owatonna bank teller cages – both in design and execution (the majority of late 19th century sullivan-designed ironwork was fabricated by winslow brothers of chicago). i’ve wanted the two-part medallion for nearly 7 years now. the two newly acquired artifacts will make a great addition to the bldg. 51 museum & gallery.