Call Number:

00.012

Repository:

Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections

Extent:

70.0 items

Language:

English

Date:

1870-1895 (inclusive)

Creator:

Doebley, Carl and Thomas, George E.

Abstract:

"Philadelphia: Panorama of a Civilization" was a multi-locational exhibit developed for the 1976 bicentennial celebration in Philadelphia by historic preservation architects George Thomas and Carl Doebley.  Sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, the exhibit highlighted key buildings from different architectural "eras" in the history of Philadelphia. Portions of the exhibit were mounted at sites throughout the city; the photographs in this collection, showing buildings constructed between 1870 and 1895, were on display in Drexel's Main Building.  The period from 1870 to 1895 was called the "Era of Drexel Institute" because of the impact of wealthy individuals like Anthony J. Drexel on the architectural development of the city at that time.

This exhibit consists of fifty-seven panels of photographs of buildings in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, accompanied by twelve panels of interpretive text and one folder containing a brochure printed for Drexel's portion of the exhibition. Each panel of text deals with a different topic, such as colleges, houses, banks, libraries, etc., and describes a group of four or five panels of photographs. The brochure provides a narrative background for the exhibit.