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Ralph Rapson: Sketches and Drawings from Around the World
Travel the Globe with Ralph Rapson and experience some of the world's greatest buildings as well as hidden gems through the artwork of this gifted Minnesota architect, it has been said that "Ralph draws like an angel, " and he does. This is one of our most beautiful books, ever
120 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2002
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February 28, 2023
I worked for quite awhile as executive assistant to an architect/author, attended many productions at the original Guthrie theater which Rapson designed, graduated from the U of MN (where Rapson was tenured and taught for 30 years), and Ralph’s granddaughter was my daughter’s best friend for many years until the Rip Rapsons relocated to Michigan. So though I’m not really the target reader for this book, the many personal connections piqued my interest.
The sketches are colorful and fascinating. I had no idea Rapson was so well traveled or designed so many international buildings. His travels clearly revolved around architectural centerpieces, which yields a unique perspective of the places he visited. I also hadn’t realized he designed furniture and other household items, which he called “equipment for living.” I have an interest in MCM era furniture and will keep an eye out for his work in the vintage shops.
I could’ve done without the unexpected nude sketches randomly thrown in at the end. They’ve nothing to do with architecture and don’t add anything to the book, especially as they’re very rough rather than finished sketches, so they seemed gratuitous.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this illustrated overview of a talented architect’s life and work.
The sketches are colorful and fascinating. I had no idea Rapson was so well traveled or designed so many international buildings. His travels clearly revolved around architectural centerpieces, which yields a unique perspective of the places he visited. I also hadn’t realized he designed furniture and other household items, which he called “equipment for living.” I have an interest in MCM era furniture and will keep an eye out for his work in the vintage shops.
I could’ve done without the unexpected nude sketches randomly thrown in at the end. They’ve nothing to do with architecture and don’t add anything to the book, especially as they’re very rough rather than finished sketches, so they seemed gratuitous.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this illustrated overview of a talented architect’s life and work.
Displaying 1 of 1 review