1 AIA CES Learning Unit|Elective and 1 credit towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture program (Elective)

ICAA & Preservation Foundation Members Only

From Palm Beach to Shangri-La: The Architecture of Marion Sims Wyeth by Dr. Jane S. Day

Celebrate the publication of the first monograph on Marion Sims Wyeth with a special lecture by author Jane Day followed by a reception and book signing in the Library at the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.

From Palm Beach to Shangri La: The Architecture of Marion Sims Wyeth will be the first in depth look at the life and work of Marion Sims Wyeth, from his family background through a Palm Beach career that lasted from 1919 to 1973. Featured here are the legendary abodes of Marjorie Merriweather Post and Doris Duke—Mar-a-Lago and Shangri La, respectively—as well as the less well known but equally spectacular Hogarcito and La Claridad, to name but a few. Wyeth’s architectural drawings and historic photographs, many of which have never been published, and new photographs of iconic structures will be featured. For those unfamiliar with these dream palaces, intimate homes of repose and reflection, for the enjoyment of life and the living of it, the book serves at once as a revelation and an inspiration.

Authored by Dr. Jane S. Day who served as the consultant to the Town of Palm Beach Landmarks Commission for twenty-one years, Day’s original research will expand upon the work of the late architectural historian Dr. Donald Curl.  The examination of Wyeth’s architecture will make use of the primary source material housed at the Robert M. Grace Library, the Jack C. Massey Architectural Archives, and the Mr. and Mrs. Paul Van der Grift Architectural Image Collection at the Preservation Foundation. The significance of Wyeth’s legacy to the community will be discussed in a forward by Palm Beach architect and former Landmarks Chairman Eugene Pandula.

Brantley Photography / Preservation Foundation Collection

Learning Objectives of the Lecture

1. 1. Review the history of Palm Beach and Marion Sims Wyeth’s place in the resort’s architectural foundation.
   2. Examine one small residential street in Palm Beach to explore Wyeth’s approach (in this instance) to siting single family homes, budget, and unforeseen challenges to development.
   3. Using Hogarcito, Mar-a-Lago, and Shangri La as examples, look at the role of the client, conflicts that arise, and the importance of the client/architect relationship in determining outcome.
   4. Explore Wyeth’s approach to the South Florida environment and examine how he adapted both the Mediterranean Revival and Neo-Classical Revival styles to the subtropics.
   5. Look at Historic Preservation strategies in the Town of Palm Beach and explore their practical application in efforts to save Wyeth’s work.

Free for ICAA and Preservation Foundation members. Please RSVP. Space is limited!