Glimpses of the Past: 300 Years of New Orleans Architecture - Ann Masson

Tom Savage introduces himself as the Director of Museum Affairs at Winterthur and a long-time member of the Board of Governors of the Decorative Arts Trust. He shares a personal anecdote from his time as a graduate student visiting New Orleans, expressing his deep affection for the city. He invites the audience to enjoy the upcoming events and praises the Historic New Orleans Collection and its director, Priscilla Lawrence, for their hospitality.

Priscilla Lawrence, Executive Director of the Historic New Orleans Collection, welcomes attendees, highlighting the organization's extensive reach and ongoing expansions. She mentions the construction of new exhibit space on Royal Street and emphasizes their commitment to cultural education and historic preservation. Lawrence expresses appreciation for the attendees' support and invites them to return to view the new facilities once completed.

Tom Savage introduces the next speaker, Ann Masson, an architectural historian with extensive experience in New Orleans' architecture and preservation. Masson is noted for her involvement in various preservation efforts and her work on local architectural publications. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of New Orleans' architectural history.

Ann Masson begins her presentation, underscoring the uniqueness of New Orleans' architectural heritage, which blends various cultural influences. She highlights the historical significance of the city's preserved structures, despite past disasters and urban changes. Masson sets the context for understanding New Orleans architecture by discussing the city's foundational years.

Masson discusses the early French military engineers who shaped New Orleans' initial city layout and building designs. She explains how their adaptations to local materials and climate led to unique architectural developments, such as the raised gallery house. She describes the French colonial building techniques that laid the groundwork for the city's distinctive architectural character.

The impact of significant fires in the late 18th century and the Spanish colonial response are detailed, with a focus on the architectural transformations that followed. Masson describes how Spanish influences reshaped the city's buildings, introducing fire-resistant designs and wrought iron features, marking a shift from earlier French styles.

Masson outlines the development of Creole cottages and townhouses, emphasizing their practical designs suited to New Orleans' urban layout. She contrasts Creole and American architectural preferences, highlighting the influence of incoming settlers from the United States following the Louisiana Purchase.

Attention shifts to the Garden District and uptown suburbs, which showcase the expansion of American architectural styles like the Greek Revival, as introduced by new settlers. These areas are noted for their large, elegant homes and lush gardens, contrasting with the denser, more compact Creole areas.

Masson points out the diverse architectural styles that flourished in New Orleans' neighborhoods from the mid-19th century onwards, including the iconic shotgun houses and the role of local industry in their decoration. She discusses how these styles reflect the changing tastes and economic conditions of the time.