Fleur-de-lys Studios facts for kids
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Fleur-de-Lys Studios
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Front elevation, 2020
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | 7 Thomas St., Providence, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1885 |
| Architect | Edmund Russell Willson, et al. |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| Part of | College Hill Historic District (ID70000019) |
| NRHP reference No. | 92001886 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 5, 1992 |
| Designated NHL | October 5, 1992 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 10, 1970 |
The Fleur-de-Lys Studios, also known as Fleur-de-Lis Studios or Sydney Burleigh Studio, is a historic art studio, and an important structure in the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the United States. It is located at 7 Thomas Street in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. It was designed by Sydney Burleigh and Edmund R. Willson, and built in 1885. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
Description
The studio is a 2+1⁄2-story wood frame building, set on the densely built north side of Thomas Street, opposite the First Baptist Meetinghouse (also a National Historic Landmark). Its main facade is half-timbered, with elaborately stuccoed sections filling the spaces between the timbers. On the first level there are two bays, that on the right with a grouping of six casement windows in two tiers of three, of different sizes at each tier. The left bay has a recessed entranceway, topped by a row of stucco panels and windows above. The second level projects slightly, and has paired casement windows that project in a manner resembling a folding screen. On either side and in between these two sections are colored panels bearing allegorical representations of Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture. The triangular gable area above this level is shingled, with a recessed square window just below the gable point.
The interior is relatively simple, with an enclosed stair rising on the left side of the building to a mezzanine level, a full second floor, and the attic area. The first floor is divided, with a classroom and reception area in the south, and a studio space on the north side. A staircase in the northwest corner leads from the studio to the mezzanine. The mezzanine is open, with a small studio space over the entrance. Smaller studio spaces occupy the second floor and attic level.
The building was a design collaboration between the artist Sydney Richmond Burleigh (1853-1931) and the architect Edmund R. Willson (1853-1906), and was built in 1885-86 in a collaborative effort involving both local builders and a local version of the London-based Art Workers Guild established by Burleigh. Among the artists contributing to the decoration was Charles Walter Stetson.
The building drew immediate notice in architectural publications in recognition for its unification of useful and ornamental arts.
George William Whitaker, known as the "Dean of Providence Painters," shared space with Burleigh in the studio during the late 1800s.
In 1939, the structure was deeded to the Providence Art Club by Burleigh's widow. In accordance with the stipulation of her gift, the space is still used for artists studios.
