The Architecture of Richard Morris Hunt: In a New Light

Richard Morris Hunt sits on the cusp of the American Gilded Age as one of its central architects. Although originally from the United States, Hunt grew up in Europe and was the first American-born man to be educated at the École des Beaux-Arts, the pre-eminent school of architecture in the world in the mid-nineteenth century. When he returned to America, he was recognized as a bearer of European architectural knowledge and traditions, and his circle of wealthy clients quickly grew, just as America was emerging from the Civil War as a global economic power. He worked and summered in Newport frequently and became the architect for many of the Vanderbilt family’s epic constructions, both in Newport and around the country. This course will offer two lectures and will be a great chance to get to know one of the American architectural giants of the 19^th century through some of his many projects. This class will build upon the materials collected for the current exhibition of his life and work currently on display at Rosecliff Mansion. (This class was previously offered in Fall 2023.)

Ross Cann, RA, AIA, LEED AP, is an author, historian, teacher and practicing architect living and working in Newport. He holds degrees in architecture and architectural history from Yale, Cambridge and Columbia universities. He studied with Vincent Scully at Yale and while at Columbia, he was the teaching assistant for Robert A.M. Stern, who is one of the most noted Shingle Style architects in America. Ross is the founding and managing principal of A4 Architecture in Newport.