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RICHARD MORRIS HUNT FELLOWSHIP
Since 1990, French Heritage Society, in conjunction with the American Architectural Foundation, has sponsored the annual Richard Morris Hunt Fellowship. Named for the first American architect to study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and to bring its teachings and principles to the United States, the fellowship was conceived as a means to introduce experienced preservation architects in France and the United States to working methods and theories in each other’s countries. Awarded in alternate years to an American and to a French counterpart, it includes extensive travel and interaction with local architects in the host country. This much praised program broadens the outlook of the participants by providing a wider vision of their discipline. Americans see a variety of regional and historic styles and are introduced to the state institutions that govern monuments historiques in France. French recipients are introduced to the more variable and localized preservation initiatives in the United States. The 19 architects who have participated in the program since its inception stay in touch through an active RMHF Alumni Association.
2009 RICHARD MORRIS HUNT FELLOW
American architect Tina Roach was selected as the RMHF 20th recipient. She will spend six months in France exploring how two disciplines: sustainable design and historic preservation - can learn from one another, among other exciting opportunities.
Tina received her International Baccalaureate Diploma in California, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Art History with a Concentration in Architectural History from the University of Chicago, and completed her Master of Architecture with specialization in Historic Preservation at the University of Texas in Austin.
Tina’s background includes serving as an Associate with Quinn Evans Architects in Washington, DC, where she worked for the past ten years. One of her first assignments was the renewal of the Sir Christopher Wren Building in Williamsburg, Va. Acknowledged as a specialist in the restoration field in the Washington regional area, Tina served as a consultant in historic preservation and wood finishing for the U.S. Tax Court building, and architectural masterpiece designed by Victor Lundy in the late 1960s.
Tina also participated in the National Academy of Science building project located opposite the Lincoln Memorial. “The goal was to utilize sustainable design technologies in tandem with preservation treatments to bring the facility into the 21st century, as a demonstration of the National Academy leadership in scientific and engineering research,” she explained.
In the current trend of “going green,” Tina is applying her skills and talents to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50% at the landmark AIA Headquarters Building, built in 1973. The project’s ultimate goal is to reduce the consumption to 0% by the year 2030.
Tina is highly involved as Senior Project Architect on the restoration of the Eastern Market, designed in 1908 by Adolph Cluss.
“The future of historic preservation goes beyond saving old buildings from demolition. It requires us to consider preservation solutions in the context of the global environmental crisis,” Tina commented. “How much can we accept to demolish the old to make way for the new in an historical monument? What can the two disciplines – sustainable design and historic preservation – learn from each other?”
We can expect a fruitful and positive dialogue to benefit our two sides of the Atlantic à grace de Tina’s innovation and vision.
FRENCH HERITAGE SOCIETY INTERNSHIP FOR FRENCH ART AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
This program was inaugurated in 2008 and met with great success. It is directed to graduate students who have completed the course work for an M.A degree in conservation or art history with an emphasis on French art in any medium. One candidate is selected each year for a 3-month intensive internship at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York under the mentorship of the institution’s preeminent staff. In 2008, Camille Dorange worked in the Department of Nineteenth-Century, Modern and Contemporary Art. A second candidate, Mary Therese Hermes, has been selected as the French Heritage Society internship for 2009. Ms. Hermes will work on the museum’s world renowned French tapestries. Her research will assist in providing detailed and essential current information on this extraordinary collection to scholars, curators and conservators both within the Metropolitan and internationally.
Made possible by French Heritage Society
For further details about the application process and requirements for non-U.S. citizens, please go to www.metmuseum.org/education/er_internship.asp.
SEMINAR IN FRENCH ARCHITECTURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRICK COLLECTION
Last fall, French Heritage Society, in partnership with The Frick Collection, offered our biennial Seminar in French Architecture and Decorative Arts, an intensive program for museum curators, art historians and distinguished students and educators, for which we also provide scholarships; and, for the first time, an American PhD fellowship for research at the Centre de Recherche in Versailles. "Versailles: Architecture, Gardens and Decorative Arts" took place from October 5-11, 2008. Led by Anne L. Poulet, Director of The Frick Collection, Monique Barbier, FHS coordinator and art historian, and Béatrix Saule, Directeur du Centre de Recherche du Domaine de Versailles, with the participation of Pierre Arizzoli-Clémentel, Directeur Général, and other distinguished scholars. The Seminar provided an in-depth examination and analysis of the architecture and gardens of Versailles, as well as of the furniture and objets d'art found in the public and private spaces.
STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Since 1985, French Heritage Society has sponsored an educational program for American and French college students of architecture or art history during the summer months. French students work as interns at French Heritage Society sponsored projects, museums or cultural institutions in the United States, while their American counterparts spend time in a French château or other historic building aiding in restoration work or serving as guides to interpret the site for visitors. The programs mix the practical with the personal by providing students in both cultures with exposure to the complex process of architectural maintenance and restoration; and opportunities to live and interact with either a French host family, or in a landmarked home. FHS secures all elements of the program for each student. Families and host institutions also often take time for their student interns to visit interesting sites in the area. The program is open to students 20 to 26 years of age in any academic field.
Based on increased program demand, FHS has secured 17 student placements for 2009.
Interns will take part in activities based on their individual skills and interests. Responsibilities may include: Restoration work (paintings) and other objects (subject to level of skill); working in the private library cataloguing family collections and archives; specialized horticultural program working in gardens of French châteaux (open to well-qualified students); serving as an English speaking guide.
For further information, please contact:
French Heritage Society
Attn: Mme. Sauvage, Mme. de Roquette-Buisson
34, avenue de New York, 75116 Paris
FRANCE
tel: (33) 1 40 70 07 57
fax: (33) 1 40 70 07 86
e-mail: paris@frenchheritagesociety.org
ARTISANS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Accurate historic restoration is only possible if craftsmen are available to duplicate
the techniques employed by the original builders. These traditional methods have
been handed from one generation to the next through apprenticeship. The success
and continuance of preservation efforts in Europe and America relies upon the
training of artisans. French Heritage Society has developed a program that offers
craftsmen in many fields (wood working, gilding, masonry, stained glass, etc.)
the opportunity to refine their skills.
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