From 1900 until the greaer part of the construction of the New York City subway was completed in the 1930's, John L. Heims, Christopher Grant LaFarge and Squire J. Vickers were the architects who determined the artistic elements of the New York City Subway.  Their work is being highlighted March 19, 2007-July 8, 2007 at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex at Grand Central Station.

These architects created an atmosphere that supported individuality throughout the subway system.  Each station is different while contrbuting to the style of the entire system.  The New York Transit Museum is showcasing over sixty artifacts, architectural drawings, vintage and contempoary photographs from their collection as well as The New York Historical Society, the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the Bronx Soo, the Wildlife Conservation Center and private collections.

From 1901-1908, John L Heims and Christopher Grant LaFarge designed the first subway stations as well as control houses, power substations, and ornamental kiosks in the Beaux-Art Style.  They based their work on European designs.  Their work recalls classical architecture in an underground atmosphere.  They felt their mission was to decorate and make beautiful utilitarian spaces.  They used ceramic to fulfill their purpose of identifying and adorning each station.

This show presents a dozen pieces of these original station ceramics.  An enormous amount of material was used and numerous companies were hired to produce these pieces.  The work of noted ceramics manufacturers Grueby Faience Company of Boston, Atlantic Terra Cotta of Staten Island and New Jersey and Rookwood Pottery of Cincinnati are represented in this show.

In 1907, architect Heins died of meningitis.  LaFarge worked on the subway until 1908.  Squire McVickers would carry on the legacy of Hens and LaFarge.  The Architects of the New York Subway, Part II Squire McVickers and the Subway's Modern Age will be on view at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex from July 30 through October 28, 2007.  

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