Architecture Exhibit Celebrates a Century of Sutton Hall

historic photo of sutton hall, designed in the Spanish Renaissance style. Architect: Cass Gilbert, 1915-1918

The University of Texas Libraries celebrates the 100th anniversary of a Forty Acres original with the latest edition of the “To Better Know a Building” exhibition series.

Sutton Hall is the focus of the sixth installment of the To Better Know a Building exhibition series offered by the Alexander Architectural Archives.  Originally called the Education Building, this Cass Gilbert designed building is celebrating its centennial on the University of Texas at Austin campus.  Today, Sutton Hall is one of three historic buildings occupied by the School of Architecture, joining fellow centenarian Battle Hall (also designed by Gilbert) and Goldsmith Hall, designed by UT campus architect Paul Cret.

“To Better Know A Building” explores buildings through the drawings and other visual items found in the archive and library, promoting the records of a single building.  Plans, elevations and sections visually communicate design intent and can also be used as a vehicle in teaching through example. Past subjects of the series include the Kimbell Art Museum and the Charles Moore House in Orinda, California.

The University of Texas Libraries will host an exhibit opening Monday, April 16 at 6pm in the Architecture and Planning Library reading room. Opening remarks will be provided by University of Texas School of Architecture Professor and Page Southerland Page Fellow in Architecture Richard Cleary.  Cleary, who is no stranger to centennials, edited “Traces and Trajectories: The University of Texas School of Architecture at 100” (UT School of Architecture, 2010), and co-authored “The University of Texas at Austin: The Campus Guide” (Princeton Architectural Press, 2011), an architectural history of the main campus. 

The exhibit is located in the reading room of the Architecture and Planning Library and will be on display from April 16, 2018 until October 1, 2018.

The next installment in the series will be chosen by a vote by students and visitors from a list provided by the Alexander Architectural Archives.