Smashing the MFAH’s Glassell School Building; A Numbers Documentary Heads to Kickstarter

Adickes Sculpturworx Studio

Photo of Adickes Sculpturworx Studio: Brandi Lynn via Swamplot Flickr Pool

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  • Glassell demolition – well, that didn’t last long. Would like to have several of the glass bricks for a garden project.

  • That’s a shame about tearing down the Glassell. I’ve loved those glass block walls since I was a kid.

  • Re: Glassell

    Who is the Glassell building/school named after? Can’t find any details anywhere on the MFAH site. I’m inclined to believe that the name comes from the glass block construction; or is it that the architect was ‘inspired’ by the name and that’s how he came up with idea for a glass cube?

    Most buildings in Houston with a name-pedigree proudly proclaim the story of the donor every chance they get, which is of course part of the appeal for a wealthy oil baron to dump cash in the lap of an arts institution.

    Also, the article states that the architect “donated” his services. Most architects believe their services are “donated” even when they are handsomely paid (insinuating that they work is priceless). Not sure if the statement was made tongue-in-cheek.

  • @Superdave: Alfred Glassell, Jr. was the founder of Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp. There was a bitter will contest from his daughter after he changed his will to give most of his $500 mil fortune to charity. But that was well after the art school was built.

  • @Superdave: Alfred C. Glassell, founder of Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp.

  • Superdave, there is a Glassell family for which it is named. I don’t know exactly which one it was originally named for (Alfred, perhaps), but Curry Glassell is much alive and a supporter of the arts.

  • He started Transco–was a very low profile individual.

  • @ Superdave
    Alfred C. Glassell Jr.
    http://www.mfah.org/about/mfah-architectural-history/

    Also, few architects are “handsomely paid.”