28 Jan the work of joseph barron: photo-documenting sullivan’s buildings during the american depression

the following snapshots were taken by little known photographer joseph barron, who traveled with architectural historian hugh morrison around the country documenting any and all adler and sullivan buildings (identifed through morrison’s research) during the 1930s for his 1935 book, “Louis Sullivan: Prophet of Modern Architecture.” 

in some cases, barron’s images provide the only visual evidence of an adler and sullivan commission before it was demolished. in other cases, his images capture residential and commercial buildings before subsequent and often irreversible or damaging alterations and remodelings. finally, barron’s images offer the most comprehensive record of adler and sullivan buildings as they appeared during the 1930s. 

note: the following photogrpahic images represents only a fraction of the universe of photographs barron took while working with morrison. additional images will be added when time permits. 

images courtesy of timothy james samuelson. all rights reserved. 2024.