Net worth | $100k |
---|---|
Full Name | William Sutherland Maxwell |
Date of Birth | 14th of November, 1874 |
Place of Birth | Montreal, Canada |
Date of Death | 25th of March, 1952 (at the age of 78) |
Place of Death | Montreal, Canada |
Nationality | Canadian |
Zodiac sign | Scorpio |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Christianity |
Occupation | Architect |
Year active | 1902-1952 |
Notable works | Shrine of the Báb |
Introduction
Imagine a world where spirituality and architecture intertwine, giving birth to timeless marvels that transcend both realms. In this realm of visionary creativity, stands the luminary figure of William Sutherland Maxwell. A celebrated Canadian architect whose legacy transcends bricks and mortar, Maxwell wove the threads of his devout faith into the tapestry of his designs. Notably recognized as a Hand of the Cause in the Baháʼí Faith, Maxwell’s deep-rooted spiritual convictions found resplendent expression in the breathtaking edifice of the Shrine of the Báb.
Nestled atop the picturesque slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, this awe-inspiring structure stands as a testament to Maxwell’s unwavering devotion and his exceptional ability to infuse the ethereal with the earthly. As we delve into the life and work of this extraordinary architect, we uncover a narrative where faith, artistry, and devotion coalesce into an indelible legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Early Life and Education
Picture the bustling streets of Montreal in the late 19th century, where the rhythmic pulse of a burgeoning metropolis danced with the dreams of a young William Sutherland Maxwell. Born on a crisp November day in 1874, Maxwell’s early years were imbued with the promise of greatness, a promise that would soon find its roots in his relentless pursuit of architectural excellence.
Enamored by the intricate dance of design and structure, Maxwell’s journey began at the High School of Montreal, where his burgeoning passion for architecture first took flight. At the tender age of 18, he found himself immersed in the intricacies of the craft, working diligently in his brother’s office nestled within the Sun Life Building. His thirst for knowledge and expertise led him to the bustling streets of Boston, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of the eminent architects, Winslow and Wetherel.
However, it was not just the technical nuances of architecture that captivated Maxwell’s imagination. A chance encounter at the illustrious Boston Architectural Club introduced him to the enchanting world of Beaux-Arts architecture. It was here that fate intertwined his path with the revered Constant-Désiré Despradelles, igniting a passion for a style that would soon shape his future creations. The influence of Despradelles, the esteemed Professor of Design at MIT, left an indelible mark on Maxwell’s artistic sensibilities, propelling him toward a trajectory of architectural brilliance.
Fuelled by an insatiable hunger for knowledge, Maxwell embarked on a transformative journey to Paris, where the enchanting streets and the hallowed halls of the École des Beaux-Arts welcomed him with open arms. Guided by the esteemed Jean-Louis Pascal, Maxwell delved deeper into the intricate nuances of architectural finesse, imbibing the essence of a style that resonated with his artistic soul. With Paris as his canvas and the École des Beaux-Arts as his muse, Maxwell’s vision expanded, paving the way for a profound understanding of the harmonious marriage between aesthetics and structure.
In December 1900, Maxwell returned to the embrace of his homeland, Canada, his mind brimming with the wealth of experiences and knowledge acquired from the cosmopolitan centers of architectural excellence. Little did the world know that the seeds sown in his early life and education would blossom into a legacy that would redefine the boundaries of architectural grandeur.
Career and Work
Work as an Architect |
Shrine of the Báb |
Saskatchewan Legislative Building |
Fairmont Palliser |
Royal Alexandra Hotel |
Royal Victoria Hospital’s Commissions for the Nurses Home |
Departmental and Courts Buildings |
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts |
Board of Trade Building |
Canadian Pacific Railway hotels |
Work as a Baháʼí |
Hand of the Cause |
Net Worth
Year | Net Worth |
1952 | $100k |
Family and Relationship
Relation | Name/Info |
Father | Edward John Maxwell |
Mother | Johan MacBean |
Siblings | Edward Maxwell |
Spouse | May Ellis Bolles |
Children | Mary Maxwell |
Achievements and Awards
Achievements and Awards |
Hand of the Cause in the Baháʼí Faith |
Province of Quebec Association of Architects’ Councillor |
Royal Canadian Academy’ Associate |
Arts Club’s president |
Province of Quebec Association of Architects’ president |
Royal Institute of British Architects’ fellow |
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s president |
Royal Canadian Academy’s vice-president |
Quick Facts
- He was one of the most famous architects in Canada, because of his architectural work at the Shrine of the Báb.
- He was a Hand of the Cause in the Baháʼí Faith, which made him more famous.
- He was the younger brother of the famous Canadian architect, Edward Maxwell.
- He was married to the sister of Randolph Bolles, who introduced him to the Baháʼí Faith, May Ellis Bolles, and they had one daughter Mary Maxwell.
FAQs
Q: Who was William Sutherland Maxwell?
A: He was a well-known architect in Canada, and the younger brother of Edward Maxwell. He was also a Hand of the Cause in the Baháʼí Faith, which made him more popular.
Q: When did William Sutherland Maxwell die?
A: At the age of 78, he died on the 25th of March 1952 in Montreal, Canada.
Q: Was William Sutherland Maxwell married?
A: Yes, he was married to May Ellis Bolles, and they had one daughter, Mary Maxwell.
Q: What was William Sutherland Maxwell’s relationship with Edward Maxwell?
A: Edward Maxwell was the elder brother of him, and they both worked together in his brother’s architectural firm.