Description
The Lester Bridaham photographs and papers relating to gargoyles document the
scholar's ongoing fascination with this distinctive form of architectural decoration. Collected over the course of six decades,
Bridaham's extensive
compilation of photographs and research materials forms a comprehensive overview of the gargoyle and other related grotesques
used as ornament in
medieval architecture throughout western Europe.
Background
Lester Burbank Bridaham (1899-1992) was a museum administrator, educator, artist, collector, art historian, and author. Bridaham's
initial academic
training was in the sciences. He received a B.S. from Cornell University in chemistry and, in 1923, a M.S. in chemical engineering
from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Yet, during his time at Cornell, Bridaham developed a deep interest in art, which he
credited to his fascination
with the gargoyles decorating his fraternity house. After only a brief period working in the steel business, Bridaham devoted
the rest of his life to
pursuing this interest in art.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers, with the exception of the photographic negatives, which require further processing.