two matching exterior building facade “sullivanesque” terra cotta panels – mildland terra cotta co., chicago, il.

About This Item

original early 20th century american prairie school exterior building facade white glazed terra cotta panels designed and fabricated by the midland terra cotta co., chicago, il. the ornament borrows heavily from the design motifs conceived of by draftsman george grant elmslie under the guidance of his mentor, louis sullivan. the two panels were originally mounted on opposite sides of the facade, with a repeating frieze set in between. the “sullivanesque” terra cotta blocks have been cut down (i.e., the rear cavities have been removed), greatly reducing the weight and making them ore “wall-friendly.” midland terra cotta produced a substantial amount of “sullivanesque” terra cotta ornament used to dress up buildings designed by lesser-known architects. the company was established in 1910 and was bought out by the american terra cotta company in 1938 priced for the pair.