American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia
Wilis Hale Portfolio
Willis Hale published a photographic portfolio of his work, highlighting both significant commercial and private commissions as well as some of his designs for multiple dwellings designed for middle class and upper middle class family homes. (A side note: Hale designed a residence for John D. Avil, built at 45th and Pine Streets and pictured within; one wonders whether the printing of this brochure was a partial payment for services rendered.) Here is his introduction:
Selections from an Architect’s Portfolio
The above is the title I have selected for the enclosed views of some of the many buildings which have been designed by me, and erected in the City of Philadelphia. They comprise fine half-tone photographs of imposing business edifices, spacious apartment houses, magnificent private mansions, and rows of beautiful homes, together with exterior and interior views of the same. A glance at these pages will, I am sure, reveal to the observer that Philadelphia has made wonderful progress in the art of architecture within a comparatively few years. There is a strong current running in the direction of the picturesque, united with the practical and durable in building, and our city is becoming more beautiful every year in this respect. The artist and the mechanic have joined hands, and the “City of Brotherly Love,” once distinguished for its severe plainness, can now lay claim to be called “The City of Beautiful Buildings.”
The Portfolio has been issued in the very best style of the printer’s art by that famous Philadelphia establishment, the Avil Printing Company, and as a souvenir of the beautiful in architecture, it is worthy to be preserved.
Source: American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia
American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia
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Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy, 1889
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Augusta Apartments, 1884
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Bingham House Hotel, 1889
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Hale Building, 1887
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Houses at 37th and Chestnut Streets, no date
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Houses at 39th and Spruce Streets, no date
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John D. Avil Residence, no date
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Lorraine Apartment House, 1893
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Welton House and Library, 1892
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P.A.B. Widener House, 1901
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Row of Houses Built by Mr. Gardner, no date
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Row of Houses, no date
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