John Macdougall Pratt Papers
Collection Scope
Pratt researched the influence of Eliel Saarinen's teachings at Cranbrook Academy of Art for his PhD in the History of Architecture. The collection consists of copies of Pratt’s research (1935-1938) – primarily questionnaires that he sent to former students of Saarinen’s, and in some cases, there is also correspondence.
Dates
- 1935 - 1938
Creator
- Pratt, John Macdougall (Person)
Access
Access to the collection is unrestricted.
Use
Permission to use collection materials must be requested in writing. Cranbrook Educational Community does not hold the copyright to this collection.
History
In 1977, Canadian John Macdougall Pratt completed his master’s thesis, “Albert Kahn at Willistead: Problems and Interpretation.” He enrolled at Cornell in order to obtain his PhD in the History of Architecture and chose the influence of Eliel Saarinen’s teachings at Cranbrook Academy of Art as his subject matter. He began to interview students who had studied under Eliel Saarinen. Concurrently, research by various scholars was underway for the exhibition and resulting catalog for “Design in America: The Cranbrook Vision 1925-1950.” Roy Slade, then President of the Academy of Art entered into discussions with Pratt and ultimately agreed that Academy students could assist Pratt with his research only if Cranbrook was furnished with copies of Pratt’s research.
Extent
0.2 Linear Feet (1 MS)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
John Macdougall Pratt was an Associate Professor of Architecture at Auburn University in Alabama. He obtained his PhD in the History of Architecture from Cornell University, in which he focused on the influence of Eliel Saarinen’s teachings at Cranbrook Academy of Art as his subject matter. His research was based on interviews with former students of Eliel Saarinen. Concurrent research by various scholars for the exhibition and catalog for “Design in America: The Cranbrook Vision 1925-1950.” Roy Slade, then President of the Academy of Art, agreed that Academy students could assist Pratt with his research only if Cranbrook was furnished with copies of Pratt’s research. The collection consists of copies of Pratt’s research between 1935 and 1938. The bulk of the collection consists of questionnaires, but there is also some correspondence.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged chronologically by surname.
Custodial History
The collection was originally acquired from Pratt by Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Acquisition
Transferred by Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Processing History
Processed by Leslie S. Edwards, 2018.
Creator
- Pratt, John Macdougall (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the John Macdougall Pratt Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid written by Leslie S. Edwards.
- Date
- 2018
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Edition statement
- Resource record created by Laura MacNewman.
Repository Details
Part of the Cranbrook Archives, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Repository