The Vision of Philip Hanson Hiss (Exhibition)
Architecture Sarasota, McCulloch Pavillion, Sarasota, Fla.
“A man of many well-developed
interests, Hiss is an author, photographer, explorer, real estate developer and
civic leader. However, none of his interests is stronger than architectural
design”. St. Petersburg Times, 1964
An important exhibit dedicated to a rare individual who brought progressive thought to a small town, mid-century Sarasota.
The exhibit should have been a noted milestone for the city. But only one other person appeared on that final day when I attended, they spending not more that 15 minutes while walking through a well designed and informative space. I spent easily over an hour viewing, reading, and absorbing.
As a youth, I was lucky to have brushed-up along side Philip Hiss, for just a few years - there at the family home and studio, where at 15, I first experienced photography, forever memorialized by several of Hiss's large black & white mural prints of Bali.
A portrait of Philip Hiss on the studio stairs.
Locally, several of the more notable architects that Hiss closely collaborated with; Paul Rudolph (below) and I. M. Pei (New College, Sarasota, 1963).
The "Umbrella House" (Paul Rudolph, 1953) built on Philip Hiss's, newly-named Lido Shores tract, next door to the Hiss studio and eventual home.
The Sarasota High School addition, (Paul Rudolph, 1958-1959) which Philip Hiss pushed through during his position while on the Sarasota County School Board.
The original Hiss studio (Tim Seibert, architect, 1953) on Lido Shores.
A maquette (architect's model) for the later added Hiss living quarters incorporating the original second story studio, (Bert Brosmith, 1962). The view is of the walk-up, street entrance from when I knew the home and family. The added rear family area was an additional 5,252 square feet of living space with 33 unique indirect, overhead skylights.
Rear view of the above scale model. The rear addition (1962); the outside walled family living quarters which made-up the Hiss residence - four bedrooms, four baths and kitchen with it's unique skylights atop.
(I remember the skylights and was always fascinated by the home's large glass terrarium, but will never forget that first impression as a young teen seeing predominantly displayed, those large B&W Bali prints, that unknowingly later would influence the rest of my life).
Footnote; Jeez, now I need to add an additional note. Got a return email from Philip Jr. (Philip Hiss's oldest) and he felt that his dad had recently been "vindicated" by an outpouring of local interest. There were scheduled dinners that were well attended, noted guest speakers and a multitude of guided tours retracing Philip Hiss's influence around about town. And I did not attend or participate in these as they were a little bit beyond my budget.
Lastly and thankfully so, Philip Jr, also advised me that the exhibit was still up and opened to the public - and is notably free.
