John D. Atchison, an architect whose work has left an indelible mark on Winnipeg's skyline, is the subject of Gail Perry's new book, 'John D. Atchison, Architect: His Work and Times'. This book, published by the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation, is a labor of love and a testament to Perry's lifelong fascination with architecture. In her own words, 'It was a book that just had to be written'.
Perry's concern was that the legacy of Atchison, a key figure in the Chicago School of Architecture, might be lost to history if another generation passed without proper documentation. Her book, therefore, serves as a crucial record of his work and times, ensuring that Atchison's contributions are not forgotten. While no single characteristic defines an Atchison building, Perry notes that they are always characterized by a 'disciplined composition' and a 'just right' look. These structures, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were not only beautiful and state-of-the-art for their time but also remain comfortable, efficient, and elegant today.
Perry's journey to write this book began with her childhood fascination with architecture. She was particularly intrigued by the frequent mention of Atchison in the 1970s centenaries publications on local and regional history. However, it wasn't until she delved deeper that she discovered the connection between Atchison and the Chicago School of Architecture. This revelation sparked her curiosity, and she embarked on a quest to understand the man and his work better.
Atchison's career began in Chicago under the mentorship of 'the father of the skyscraper', William Le Baron Jenney. This exposure to cutting-edge steel frame technology allowed him to construct tall buildings on small amounts of land, revolutionizing urban architecture. In 1905, he moved his practice to Winnipeg, a city experiencing rapid growth due to industry, new businesses, and immigration. Here, he advocated for the professionalism of architecture, helped establish a faculty of architecture at the University of Manitoba, and played a pivotal role in the development of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. He was also a driving force behind city planning in Winnipeg.
Atchison's prolific output in Winnipeg includes skyscrapers, stables, homes, schools, a hospital, and more. One of the most intriguing discoveries Perry made was that she had played in a 1908 Atchison-built home on Henderson Highway as a child. This house, with its smooth, deeply red brick exterior, was perfect for chalk drawings, and the piano in the huge front room echoed gloriously. It was one of the few early and innovative Prairie Style homes in Winnipeg, showcasing Atchison's command of outdoor light.
In 1923, Atchison moved his family to California, where he continued to construct beautiful homes. A century later, Perry and her husband, a photographer and architect, followed in his footsteps by visiting the places where Atchison lived and worked. They researched, interviewed, and photographed all existing Atchison buildings, providing a visual testament to his work. In California, Perry spoke with Atchison's granddaughter, Betty Jane Witz, who offered valuable insights into the man behind the buildings.
'John D. Atchison, Architect: His Work and Times' is as beautiful and elegant as an Atchison building. Perry hopes that her research will inspire further exploration of Atchison's work, ensuring that his legacy continues to be celebrated and understood. This book is not just a historical record but a love letter to a man who shaped the urban landscape of Winnipeg and left an indelible mark on the world of architecture.
