BACKPalm Beach Preservation Lecture & Book Signing Review, 2008
Oct. 1, 2008
It was standing room only when Anne Fairfax, of the New York architectural firm of Fairfax & Sammons, delivered a presentation at the foundation on January 18 at the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. The impetus for Ms. Fairfax's talk was the recent publication of a book regarding the works of her and husband's company entitled, American Houses: the Architecture of Fairfax & Sammons. The lecture was an engaging exploration of the work of one of America's preeminent architectural partnerships that specializes in the classical vernacular. In 2005 the firm opened an office in Palm Beach.One of the most endearing client vignettes presented by Ms. Fairfax concerned the renovation of a Manhattan brownstone townhouse owned by Sarah Jessica Parker. The direction provided by Ms. Parker for the restoration was the desire to install front porch steps because "she wanted to sit on the stoop and eat ice cream with her future children."Another example mentioned of the firm's classical genre was the design for Litchfield, a Georgian style villa in Connecticut. The residence was constructed of brick and cast stone columns, pediments and quoins obtained from the West Palm Beach firm of Herpel, Inc. Ms. Fairfax signed copies of the book which was written by architectural historian Mary Miers. The book is a celebration of Fairfax & Sammons' adaptation and use of classical architecture's precepts and principles to meet contemporary requirements
Rick Herpal of Herpal Cast Stone and Anne Fairfax, pictured
Reference: Foundation News, by Richard P. D'Elia, Ph.D.
