Chicago Metalwork

Located mostly at street level, Chicago's antique metal work is both decorative and functional. It is a beautiful counterpoint to the heavy stone and brick construction favored by those builders of yore. Such flourish! Such artistry! It is the perfect complement to Hyde Park's rich architecture. When Pippi and I saw these rails and grilles, it was hard for us not to get excited! We hope you will agree.


On Kenwood Avenue.


The Fischers' house next door. We used to have the same stair rails prior to our renovation in the 1960s.


Two views of the fence at Jackman Field: up close and ...


... from afar.


Window grille at Lilly House. A little creepy but full of character.


A grand gate near Botany Pond.


Somewhere on campus.


Not bad for a modern rendition.


A church north of 53rd Street. Isn't this splendid?

Doors and Windows in Hyde Park

We are now back in Tokyo, safe and sound but a little sad. I am very jet-lagged hence the (very) early morning post.

Hyde Park was a much needed antidote to our shaken state. It is so idyllic. So peaceful. So settled and comfortable. So teeming with life. And having Pippi with us was such a remarkable pleasure. Maybe it was my mindset or maybe it was the exquisite spring light that made me fall in love again with Hyde Park's architectural splendor. Pippi and I scouted all of these examples within a few blocks of our apartment. Here follows a selection of our favorite doors and windows.


A door knob on Kenwood Avenue.


A doorway under a Gothic-inspired, broken arch on Kenwood Avenue.


The matching windows.


An arched doorway on Kenwood with a shell-shaped transom. A music teacher of mine used to live in this building.


A rare double-hung window.


Verging on the Queen Anne style.


Victorian charm on Kimbark Avenue.


My parents' home on Dorchester Avenue.


Pippi inspects my favorite arched doorway of all.


Detail from my favorite doorway.

Stone Ornament Chicago Style

Walking the dog in Chicago these past couple of weeks has been a new and delightful experience that has filled me with a fresh appreciation of the city and its architecture. Pippi and I have traversed streets that I had not been on in decades. And the dog's gentle pace paired with her sniffing breaks have given me plenty of chances to take a closer look at the buildings. This city is a treasure trove of 19th and early 20th century architectural ornament -- stone, metal and wood. It really is everywhere. Follow me while I take you on a little tour of some of our recent masonry discoveries.


At the Reynolds Club.


On 58th Street.


Critters.


A bat.


A doorway lintel.


Gothic-inspired window trim.


A window sill.


A stair stoop.


At the hospital.


Scissors and forceps at the former Lying-In Dispensary.


A window frame.


A portico.


Another portico.


A door frame.


A decorative plaque.


Another decorative plaque.


And, finally, back to the Reynolds Club.