
Designs and photographs for alterations to St. James Bar Restaurant, W. 181st St. and Broadway, New York, NY.] [Sketch for exterior perspective elevation and plan
A hand-painted replica of Winold Reiss’s masterpiece Designs and photographs for alterations to St. James Bar Restaurant, W. 181st St. and Broadway, New York, NY.] [Sketch for exterior perspective elevation and plan, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Winold Reiss (1886–1953) was a German-American artist and designer known for his contributions to modernist art and design in the United States. Among his many works, Reiss created designs and sketches for various architectural and interior projects, including a piece titled Designs and photographs for alterations to St. James Bar Restaurant, W. 181st St. and Broadway, New York, NY. This work includes a sketch for an exterior perspective elevation and plan, showcasing Reiss's distinctive style and attention to detail.
Reiss's design for the St. James Bar Restaurant reflects his broader interest in integrating art and architecture. His sketches often combined functional architectural elements with decorative motifs, influenced by his training in Germany and his exposure to diverse artistic traditions in the United States. The St. James Bar Restaurant project, located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, exemplifies his ability to create visually striking yet practical designs for urban spaces.
The sketch itself demonstrates Reiss's skill in rendering architectural forms with precision and creativity. The exterior perspective elevation likely includes details that highlight his modernist approach, while the plan provides insight into the spatial organization of the restaurant. Reiss's work often incorporated bold geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on craftsmanship, though specific details about the color scheme or decorative elements of this particular design are not documented.
Winold Reiss was widely recognized for his contributions to interior design, particularly in commercial spaces such as restaurants, hotels, and theaters. His work for the St. James Bar Restaurant fits within this context, showcasing his ability to merge artistic vision with practical design solutions. While the extent to which his designs for this project were realized is not clear, the surviving sketches remain a testament to his innovative approach to design.
Reiss's legacy extends beyond individual projects, as he played a significant role in shaping the visual culture of early 20th-century America. His work bridged the gap between fine art and applied design, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of architecture, interior design, and graphic art. The Designs and photographs for alterations to St. James Bar Restaurant serve as an example of his dedication to creating spaces that were both functional and aesthetically compelling.