Description
This new biographyfeaturing over 150 archival images and fullcolor photographs printed throughoutintroduces Julia Morgan as both a pioneering architect and a captivating individual
Julia Morgan was a lifelong trailblazer She was the first woman admitted to study architecture at the cole des BeauxArts in Paris and the first licensed to practice architecture in California Over the first half of the 20th century she left an indelible mark on the American West Of her remarkable 700 creations the most iconic is Hearst Castle Morgan spent thirty years constructing this opulent estate on the California coast for the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearstforging a lifelong friendship and creative partnership with him Together they built a spectacular and unequalled residence that once hosted the biggest stars of Hollywoods golden age and that now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year
This compelling biography draws on interviews letters and Morgans diaries including neverbeforeseen reflections on faith art and her life experiences Morgans friendship with Hearst her passion for Californias landscape her struggles with familial dementia and her devotion to architecture reveal her to have been a singularly brilliant and determined artist
PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED CONTENT Victoria Kastner has spent years compiling photographs interviews letters drawings and diariesincluding material never published beforeto create the first truly comprehensive portrait of this amazing woman
OVER 150 PHOTOGRAPHS This book features over 150 photographs printed throughout the text These include both fascinating archival images and beautiful fullcolor contemporary shots of Morgans buildings
INSPIRING STORY By exploring both Morgans work and her life Kastner weaves a captivating tale about courage vision and resilience Julia Morgan forged a path for herself against the odds and her story will inspire contemporary women and creatives
ARCHITECTURAL ICON Julia Morgan created 700 buildings during her career from hotels to churches to private homes Born in San Francisco and trained in Paris she developed a distinctive aesthetic that now defines certain regions of California But only in the last twenty years has her contribution to architecture been fully recognized and celebrated In 2014 the American Institute of Architects posthumously awarded her its Gold Medal she was the first female recipient
Perfect for
History buffs
Students enthusiasts and professional architects
Aspiring creatives in all fields
Feminists seeking role models
Visitors to Hearst Castle and Morgans other buildings
Californians and visitors to California
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