Jacob Wrey Mould (August 7, 1825 – June 14, 1886) was a British architect, illustrator, linguist and musician, noted for his contributions to the design and construction of New York City's Central Park. He was "instrumental" in bringing the British High Victorian architecture to the United States, and was a founding member of the American Institute of Architects. Born in Chislehurst, Kent in 1825, Mould attended King's College School in 1842. For two years, he studied the Alhambra in Spain under Owen Jones, the "master of polychromy," with whom he later co-designed the "Turkish Chamber" of Buckingham Palace. Mould's subsequent designs were often influenced by his appreciation of the Moorish style of architecture.
Mould designed decorations for The Great Exhibition in London in 1851. He moved to the United States in 1852, and worked on the Crystal Palace Exhibition in Manhattan. He was invited by Moses H. Grinnell in 1853 to design and build Unitarian Church of All Souls, and then was brought in on early plans for the great urban park in the heart of the city, Central Park. Working closely with creators Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, he designed many of the park's notable landmarks, including the "graceful" and "richly decorated" old Bandstand, Belvedere Castle, a great number of bridges, and the carvings on the Bethesda Terrace.
Though described as eccentric and ill-mannered, Mould was hired full-time as an assistant city architect in 1857, and from 1870 to 1871 was architect-in-chief for the Department of Public Works. In the 1860s, he had also built two notable country homes in Long Island on Hempstead Bay, both of which were lavish and ornate buildings for rich clients from New York. Mould also collaborated with Vaux on the design of the original Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, and designed the fountain at City Hall Park (1871).
In 1874, Mould went to Lima, Peru, with Henry Meiggs, where he helped design a public park. He returned to New York in 1879, and resumed his duties for the Department of Public Works until his death in New York City on June 14, 1886. He built the Morningside Park promenade in 1883, and his final design in the United States was a temporary tomb for President Ulysses S. Grant in Riverside Park, replaced later by the permanent monument known as Grant's Tomb.
Besides being an accomplished architect and designer, Jacob Wrey Mould was an avid pianist and organist, and employed his talent for language in translating numerous foreign opera librettos into English. He is interred at Green-Wood Cemetery in...
Read moreThe Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain, located in Tribeca near City Hall, is a hidden gem that offers both historical significance and aesthetic beauty in the heart of New York City. This fountain is a delightful piece of public art that often gets overshadowed by the surrounding architecture and bustling streets, but it deserves recognition for its charm and character.
Upon approaching the fountain, visitors are greeted by its elegant design, featuring intricate carvings and classic architectural elements that reflect the craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Designed by Jacob Wrey Mould, a prominent architect and designer known for his work on various public projects in New York, the fountain showcases a graceful blend of functionality and artistry.
The fountain itself is surrounded by a small, tranquil park area, making it a perfect spot for a brief respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The gentle sound of water flowing adds a calming ambiance, inviting passersby to pause, take a moment to appreciate the surroundings, and perhaps enjoy a quick snack or read a book on one of the nearby benches.
What makes the Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain particularly special is its historical context. Erected in the late 1800s, the fountain has witnessed the growth and transformation of the Tribeca neighborhood over the decades. It stands as a reminder of the city’s rich history and the importance of public art in enhancing urban spaces.
While it may not be as widely known as some of New York City’s more famous landmarks, the fountain exudes a quiet charm that makes it worth a visit. It serves as a lovely backdrop for photographs, and its location near City Hall and other historic buildings makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the area.
In conclusion, the Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain is a beautiful and historically significant feature of Tribeca that should not be overlooked. Its elegant design, serene atmosphere, and rich history make it a delightful spot to visit, whether you’re a local or a tourist. If you find yourself in the area, take a moment to appreciate this charming fountain and the stories it holds within its...
Read moreEine echte Oase zum Entspannen und Abschalten im Großstadtdschungel. Der Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain wurde ursprünglich 1871 im City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan installiert. Der Brunnen wurde von Jacob Mould entworfen, der als Chefarchitekt des New York City Parks Department fungierte. Der Brunnen verfügt über ein breites, mehrfarbiges Granitbecken mit halbkreisförmigen Becken auf beiden Seiten und einer zentralen Kaskade. Im Jahr 1920 wurde der Brunnen zerlegt und nach Crotona Park in der Bronx verschifft, wo er bis 1998 im Dunkeln blieb. Damals wurden Pläne genehmigt, den Brunnen an seinen ursprünglichen Standort in der Innenstadt zu verlegen, ein Umzug, der mit der großen Renovierung zusammenfiel -Eröffnung des renovierten Parks. Eine Zustandsbewertung wurde an den verbleibenden Granitumfassungswänden des Brunnens durchgeführt. Es wurden Pläne für die Verlegung und Restaurierung des Beckens entwickelt, sodass der fertige Brunnen als Herzstück der Neuwidmung des Rathausparks im Jahr 2000 dienen konnte. Das vorhandene Mauerwerk wurde von Übermalungen befreit und die Ecksteine wurden durch Reproduktionen der Originale ersetzt. Andere verlorene Elemente aus Bronze und Granit wurden anhand der Originalzeichnungen und frühen Fotografien...
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