Lorado Taft's Historic Midway Studios - Chicago, IL
Posted by: 
adgorn
N 41° 47.100 W 087° 36.174
16T E 449901 N 4626081
The Lorado Taft Midway Studios consist of a converted and relocated barn that became the art studio of one of the early 20th century's most important sculptors.
Waymark Code: WM9ZAZ
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 10/21/2010
Views: 7
From the Chicago Landmarks listing at (
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"Lorado Taft (1860-1936) was one of the nation's most famous early-20th century sculptors and educators, whose works include Fountain of Time, which is located at the west end of nearby Midway Plaisance. In 1906, Taft founded Midway Studios in a converted barn at 60th and Ellis streets. The barn was moved one block east to this location in 1929, its various additions were reconstructed, and both were attached to an existing (c.1880) brick house."
From the Chicago Tribute Marker series (
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"At the beginning of the twentieth century, when art was traditionally classical and staid, Lorado Taft made it romantic and personal. Taft is known for his large scale public works, many of which are in Chicago.
Taft enjoyed commissions that allowed him to interpret and express complex ideas. He believed that public monuments can reflect the ideas and ideals of their time.
Born in Illinois, Taft developed his neoclassical style at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Upon his return to Chicago, he opened his first studio at this location, and began teaching at The Art Institute of Chicago, where he would remain for two decades. He taught at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois as well. His rise to popularity began in 1893 when his sculpture was displayed at the World’s Columbian Exposition. Ten years later, his influence on an entire generation of artists was sealed with the publication of his book The History of American Sculpture."
From Wikipedia (
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"Midway Studios is located in the Woodlawn community area of Chicago, Illinois and is now owned by the University of Chicago. It was named a Chicago Landmark on December 1, 1993. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on December 21, 1965, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. It is one of the four Chicago Registered Historic Places from the original October 15, 1966 National Register of Historic Places list (along with Chicago Pile-1, Hull House & Robie House). The studios are currently home to the University of Chicago Department of Visual Arts and have been converted to classroom, office, and studio space for students and faculty."
I parked nearby and was happy to find that I was welcomed to walk in and look around. It still has the feel of an arts studio! As of the time of this posting, the surrounding grounds were fenced in for some kind of reconstruction project.
Some examples of Taft's work that I have waymarked include:
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