Collection on Claude Bragdon

Collection — Folder: 1-2

Identifier: RITArc-0286

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Collection on Claude Bragdon contains clippings and articles regarding Bragdon and his work. Most concern buildings he designed in Rochester, New York, and include: residential homes, First Universalist Church, west garden of the George Eastman House, New York Central Railroad Station, Security Trust Bank mosaics, Central YMCA, and gravestone monuments. Articles also cover the donation of Bragdon plans and drawings to the University of Rochester, poet Adelaide Crapsey, and biographical sketches of Bragdon. Last is a copy of the Register of the Archictectural Drawings of Claude Fayette Bragdon, 1891-1923.

Dates

Creation: 1931-1988

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Claude Bragdon (1866-1946) designed many buildings and homes in Rochester, New York, including the Bevier Building on RIT's downtown campus, the Canandaigua Historical Building, the New York Central Railroad Station (now demolished), and the First Universalist Church. In addition to architecture, he wrote and lectured on a wide array of topics, including theosophy, yoga, theater, and the occult. He established the Manas Press in 1909 to publish his theosophy work and the poetry of Adelaide Crapsey.

Bragdon's work can still be seen all over Rochester today. He taught at Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute, a precursor to RIT, from 1894-1897. Bragdon eventually moved to Manhattan and designed theatrical sets for Walter Hampden.

Extent

3 Folder(s)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Clippings, articles, and register of architectural drawings by architect Claude Bragdon. Bragdon taught at the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute, a precursor to Rochester Institute of Technology, from 1894-1897.