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The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630- ) by Robert Taylor

According to its own standards, the Bauhaus was a flop. It did not reform society through the remodeling of society's environment, it did not even add measurably to the vocabulary of this century's art. The only master artists affected by the Bauhaus were masters before they came there, and if you gave some average American citizen a multiple choice quiz, "The Bauhaus was . . ." he would be unlikely to fill in the blank.

The statement, however, really should read in the historic present. The Bauhaus is . . . relevant to our lives today. True, we have felt the school's impact in terms of architecture and design, the areas of its practical innovation; but here, as in other areas, reality has never jibed with conception. To understand the Bauhaus today one must look to Germany — and to Boston.

In Germany a scholar can find the vast Bauhaus-Archiv, which was founded at Darmstadt nine years ago. Currently, the West German government is circulating a behemoth show of 2500 exhibits, marking the 50th anniversary of the institution. This will not be seen in Boston, circulating from Chicago to Toronto and Pasadena before going to the 1970 Expo at Osaka, Japan. Boston, however, is the site of one of the finest permanent Bauhaus collections in the world, owned by the Busch-Reisinger Museum of Cambridge. Since the 1930s the Busch-Reisinger has dealt with the place of the Bauhaus in the history of ideas, and, like the Museum of Modern Art, possesses rich documentary material. Last month the Bauhaus acquired still another Boston dimension with the publication of Hans M. Wingler's "The Bauhaus" by the M.I.T. Press.

If this were merely the appearance of another opulent art book, lavish or not, the publication could be considered routine. But "The Bauhaus" ($42.50 until Christmas and listed at $55 thereafter) is more than a luxuriant and detailed widescreen retrospective view; more than a considerable gamble on the part of the publisher acting on the conviction that an edition of 10,000 will find a market; more than an encyclopedic archive-without-walls assembled by Wingler, the supervisor of the Darmstadt collection. The work, comprising a decade of effort on the part of M.I.T., is itself an art event of the first magnitude, a happening, as it were, to rank with the actual West German memorial tribute.

Of course, the year has also been marked, and sadly so, by the deaths of Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, focussing obituary attention on their creation. What was their Bauhaus? As a school it had administrative eras, under Gropius (1919-28), Hannes Meyer (1928-

The image is a page from a publication titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630-)" by Robert Taylor.

The text discusses the legacy and relevance of the Bauhaus movement, which spans from 1919 to 1969. The article argues that despite the Bauhaus initially being criticized for not reforming society, its influence persists today in architecture and design. It highlights Boston's significance in relation to the Bauhaus movement, noting that the city is home to one of the world's finest permanent Bauhaus collections at the Busch-Reisinger Museum of Cambridge.

The article also mentions a significant publication by Hans M. Wingler titled "The Bauhaus," which was released by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Press. This book, priced at $55, is described as a comprehensive retrospective view of the Bauhaus, which is notable for its depth and breadth, and is seen as a major event in art history.

Additionally, the text touches on the deaths of notable Bauhaus figures Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, reflecting on their contributions and the legacy of the Bauhaus school during the administrative eras under Gropius and Meyer.

The image is a page from a document or article titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630-)" by Robert Taylor. The text discusses the historical significance and impact of the Bauhaus movement.

Key points in the text include:

1. Critique of the Bauhaus:

   • The author argues that, according to its own standards, the Bauhaus was not a complete success in reforming society through environmental remodeling or adding to the art vocabulary of the century.
   • It notes that only a few master artists were significantly influenced by the Bauhaus.

2. Relevance of the Bauhaus Today:

   • The statement that "The Bauhaus was..." should be read in the historic present, indicating its relevance to contemporary life.
   • The Bauhaus had a significant impact on architecture, design, and practical innovation, even if it didn't live up to its lofty goals.

3. German and Boston Connections:

   • In Germany, there is a vast Bauhaus-Archiv in Darmstadt with extensive collections and a traveling exhibition.
   • Boston is highlighted for its role in preserving Bauhaus history through the Busch-Reisinger Museum of Cambridge, which has extensive Bauhaus collections and documents.

4. Publication of "The Bauhaus":

   • The text mentions a publication titled "The Bauhaus" by Hans M. Wingler, which is described as a significant and comprehensive work.
   • The book is detailed, richly illustrated, and a considerable achievement, making it a landmark publication in Bauhaus literature.

5. Mention of Bauhaus Founders:

   • The article briefly touches on the deaths of Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, emphasizing the obituary attention their creations received.

6. Administrative Eras:

   • The text mentions the Bauhaus under the leadership of Gropius (1919-1928) and Hannes Meyer (1928-).

The article also includes an image of the Bauhaus signage, likely representing the Bauhaus school's logo or a piece of its iconic design.

The image is a page from a publication by Robert Taylor, titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630- )". The article discusses the impact and legacy of the Bauhaus school of art and design.

Key points from the text include:

1. Bauhaus Assessment:

   • According to its own standards, the Bauhaus is considered a failure as it did not significantly reform society or add measurably to the vocabulary of 20th-century art.
   • The Bauhaus influenced only a few master artists and gave average citizens a multiple-choice quiz rather than a meaningful impact.

2. Relevance and Legacy:

   • Despite its perceived failure, the Bauhaus is relevant today in terms of architecture, design, and practical innovation.
   • The Bauhaus has never jibed with conception, and to fully understand its impact, one must look to Germany and Boston.

3. Documentation and Exhibitions:

   • Germany has extensive documentation of the Bauhaus, including the Bauhaus-Archiv in Darmstadt, which is marking its 50th anniversary with a traveling exhibition of 2500 exhibits.
   • The exhibition is not coming to Boston but will travel from Chicago to Toronto and Pasadena before going to Osaka, Japan.

4. Bauhaus Collections in Boston:

   • Boston has one of the finest permanent Bauhaus collections, housed at the Busch-Reisinger Museum of Cambridge.
   • The Busch-Reisinger Museum has been dealing with the Bauhaus legacy since the 1930s and possesses rich documentary material.
   • A recent publication, "The Bauhaus" by Hans M. Wingler, is noted as a significant contribution to the understanding of the Bauhaus.

5. Publication Significance:

   • Wingler's book is described as a luxurious and detailed retrospective view of the Bauhaus, a comprehensive encyclopedic archive, and a significant art event by M.I.T. Press.

6. Obituaries and Historical Context:

   • The year of the publication also marked the deaths of Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, significant figures in the Bauhaus movement.
   • The text questions what the Bauhaus would be today, had it not been for administrative eras under Gropius and Hannes Meyer.

The image includes a visual of the Bauhaus logo, which features the word "BAUHAUS" in a stylized font.

The image is a page from an article titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630- )" written by Robert Taylor. Here is a detailed summary of the content:

1. Introduction to the Bauhaus:

   • According to the article, the Bauhaus, a famous school of design, did not fulfill its own expectations of reforming society through environmental remodeling. However, it significantly influenced the vocabulary of 20th-century art.

2. Impact of the Bauhaus:

   • The Bauhaus had limited direct influence on many master artists, but it provided a model for American citizens to choose from.
   • The author argues that the Bauhaus's legacy is more relevant today than it has been in the past, particularly in areas beyond its practical innovations in architecture and design.

3. Relevance to Germany and Boston:

   • In Germany, extensive scholarly resources are available to understand the Bauhaus.
   • The article emphasizes the need to recognize the Bauhaus's influence in Boston.

4. Bauhaus Archives and Exhibitions:

   • The Bauhaus-Archiv, founded in Darmstadt, is now showcasing a significant exhibit with 2500 items, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bauhaus.
   • This exhibit will travel to Toronto, Pasadena, and eventually to Boston for the 1970 Expo at Osaka, Japan.

5. Bauhaus Collections:

   • The Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard University has significant Bauhaus-related collections, having acquired them since the 1930s.
   • Another dimension of Bauhaus study in Boston is the recent acquisition by M.I.T. of Hans M. Wingler’s "The Bauhaus," a comprehensive publication.

6. Publication Details:

   • The publication "The Bauhaus" by Hans M. Wingler is noted for its thoroughness, originally priced at $42.50 and later reduced to $55.
   • The book is described as retrospective and a detailed view rather than an encyclopedic work, assembled by the supervisor of the Darmstadt collection.

7. Anniversary Observations:

   • The article mentions the 50th anniversary of the Bauhaus and the deaths of Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, prompting reflections on the Bauhaus’s administrative eras under Gropius (1919-28) and Hannes Meyer (1928-).

The page also includes a large, bolded graphic of the word "BAUHAUS" vertically aligned.

The image is a page from a document or article titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630-)" by Robert Taylor. The text discusses the impact and legacy of the Bauhaus, an influential art and design school founded in Germany. Key points include:

1. Bauhaus's Influence: The Bauhaus is described as a significant movement that influenced the vocabulary of 20th-century art, although it did not reform society as intended.

2. Historical Relevance: The author argues that the Bauhaus remains relevant today, particularly in the fields of architecture and design.

3. Bauhaus-Archiv: Mentioned is the Bauhaus-Archiv in Darmstadt, Germany, which houses a vast collection of Bauhaus-related materials. The West German government is circulating a portion of this collection, including 2,600 works, but it will not be seen in Boston.

4. Boston's Connection: Boston is highlighted for having one of the finest permanent Bauhaus collections, owned by the Busch-Reisinger Museum of Cambridge. The museum has been acquiring pieces since the 1930s.

5. Publication by M.I.T. Press: The article notes the publication of Hans M. Wingler’s book "The Bauhaus" by the M.I.T. Press, which is described as a luxuriant and detailed retrospective.

6. Deaths of Key Figures: The year is marked by the deaths of Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, both significant figures in the Bauhaus movement.

The text is accompanied by an image of a book cover with the word "BAUHAUS" prominently displayed.

The image shows a scanned page from a book or an article, with the title "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630-____)" by Robert Taylor at the top. The text is divided into two columns and discusses the Bauhaus movement and its impact on society, art, and architecture, as well as its connections to Boston and an exhibition related to the Bauhaus. The page also includes a large black and white photograph or graphic design connected to the Bauhaus theme, with the word "BAUHAUS" repeated three times in bold contrasting fonts against a black background.

The image is a scanned page from a book or magazine article titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630- )" by Robert Taylor. The article discusses the Bauhaus art school and its influence on Boston.

The page has a black and white image of the Bauhaus logo in the left column, with the words "BAUHAUS" repeated three times. The right column contains the article text, which discusses the Bauhaus's impact on architecture, design, and practical innovation. It mentions that the Bauhaus was not a flop, despite its own standards, and that it influenced the vocabulary of the 20th century.

The article also mentions that the Bauhaus collection is housed in the Busch-Reisinger Museum in Cambridge, Boston, and that a 50th-anniversary show of 2500 exhibits is being circulated by the West German government. It highlights the publication of a book titled "The Bauhaus" by M.I.T. Press, which offers a detailed retrospective view of the Bauhaus and includes an encyclopedic archive assembled by the museum's supervisor.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into an article that explores the historical significance and enduring legacy of the Bauhaus art school, particularly in relation to its influence on Boston and the broader field of modern design.

The image is a page from a publication, likely a magazine or journal, featuring an article titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630-)" by Robert Taylor. The page number "24" is visible at the bottom left corner.

The article discusses the Bauhaus movement, an influential art school that operated from 1919 to 1969, and its impact on architecture, design, and art. It also compares the Bauhaus to Boston, a city with a rich history dating back to 1630.

The text mentions that the Bauhaus did not reform society through the remodeling of its environment but did not add measurably to the vocabulary of the century's art. It highlights that the only master artists affected by the Bauhaus were masters before they came there. The article also notes that the Bauhaus's impact on architecture, design, and practical innovation is relevant to the present day.

The article further discusses the publication of a book titled "The Bauhaus" by Hans M. Wingler, published by M.I.T. Press. The book is described as more than a luxurious and detailed widescreen retrospective view and more than a considerable gamble on the part of the publisher. It is considered an art event of the first magnitude.

The article also mentions the deaths of Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, two prominent figures associated with the Bauhaus, and raises questions about their attention to the creation of the Bauhaus and its administrative eras.

The page includes a black-and-white image of the Bauhaus logo, consisting of the word "Bauhaus" repeated multiple times in a grid-like pattern. The image is placed on the left side of the page, above the article's text.

Description of the Image

The image shows a page from a publication titled "The Bauhaus (1919-1969) and Boston (1630- )" by Robert Taylor. The page is numbered 24 and appears to be part of an academic or art history text. The layout is clean and formal, typical of scholarly publications, with a structured body of text and a visual element.

Text Content:

The text discusses the Bauhaus, a renowned art and design school active from 1919 to 1969, and its influence, particularly in relation to Boston. Key points from the text include:

1. Critique of the Bauhaus:

   • The Bauhaus is described as a "flop" by its own standards, as it did not reform society through environmental remodeling or add to the vocabulary of contemporary art.
   • However, the author argues that the Bauhaus remains relevant today, particularly in the fields of architecture, design, and practical innovation.

2. Bauhaus Collections and Exhibitions:

   • The Bauhaus-Archiv, founded in Darmstadt nine years prior to the publication, is highlighted. It is noted that the West German government is circulating a 50th-anniversary exhibition featuring 2500 exhibits.
   • The exhibition will travel to several cities, including Chicago, Toronto, Pasadena, Osaka, and Boston.
   • Boston is mentioned as the site of one of the finest permanent Bauhaus collections, housed in the Busch-Reisinger Museum of Cambridge, owned by Harvard Art Museums.

3. Publication Details:

   • The text critiques a recent publication titled "The Bauhaus" by Hans M. Wingler, published by the M.I.T. Press. The author questions whether this publication is merely a lavish, opulent art book or a significant contribution to the field.
   • The book is described as a "detailed retrospective view" and a "considerable gamble on the part of the publisher," suggesting it may be more of a commercial success than a scholarly work.

4. Memorial and Obituaries:

   • The year is marked by the deaths of key Bauhaus figures, including Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe.
   • The text raises questions about the legacy of the Bauhaus school, particularly its administrative era under Gropius (1919–1928) and Hannes Meyer (1928–).

Visual Element:

• On the left side of the page, there is a bold, three-dimensional graphic featuring the word "BAUHAUS" in large, capitalized letters. The design is modern and minimalist, reflecting the Bauhaus aesthetic—clean lines, geometric shapes, and a focus on typography. The graphic is positioned vertically and spans most of the page height, serving as a visual anchor for the text.

Overall Impression:

The page combines scholarly analysis with a visual representation of the Bauhaus ethos. The text is dense and analytical, discussing historical context, contemporary relevance, and critical perspectives on Bauhaus-related publications and collections. The inclusion of the "BAUHAUS" graphic reinforces the theme of the text and adds a visually striking element that aligns with the Bauhaus design principles of simplicity and functionality.

This page appears to be part of a larger discussion exploring the legacy, impact, and enduring influence of the Bauhaus movement, particularly in relation to its collections and exhibitions in Boston.