Architecture is a social act and the material theater of human activity.
[Spiro Kostof]
The best thing about being called for jury duty is the opportunity to sit in the Allen County courthouse and study the art. I can’t imagine that even the buildings in Washington D.C. are any better appointed with architectural detail and beauty. I especially enjoy this photograph of the dome, and wanted to share its richness.
Cameras are no longer allowed in the courthouse for security reasons, but my friend, Robert Pence, took this photograph and a number of others before the ban. At the Indiana/Fort Wayne/Allen Courthouse link on his website, he writes:
The Allen County Courthouse is one of only 35 National Historic Landmarks in Indiana. It was ordered in 1895 and dedicated in 1902 at a cost of more than $800,000. Designed in the Beaux Arts style by Brentwood S. Tolan and constructed by James Stewart, it replaced a badly-deteriorated 1861 brick structure on the same site. Thanks to the effort of the Allen County Courthouse Preservation Trust, it has been lovingly maintained and recently underwent a $9 million restoration of its interior design features, scagliola (faux marble) and Charles Holloway murals. The richness of detail and ornamentation are wonderful, and it’s especially remarkable that it has been restored after having been overpainted.
For many years, Bob has traveled the country to photograph interesting buildings, bridges and machinery. Many other photographs of interest can be found on his website as well. His eye for good composition and interesting detail lift his photographs from being mere pictures into the realm of fine art. Large prints can be purchased from him through his website.
Knitting, writing and other joys 
This is very interesting to me as I am a scagliola maker myself, one of very few in the world now. The Americans actually invented their own variation of scagliola, called Marezzo, which they used on hundreds of municipal buildings in the USA. Marezzo uses the materials in a more liquid state, whereas scagliola ( Europe-style ) involves plaster, pigments and glue in a very thick dough-like consistency. Both techniques can be polished to a high degree and look beautiful. I myself do inlay tabletops and chimneypieces. Check http://www.kennedy-scagliola.com if you are interested..
Robert Pence is surely one of the most gifted photographers to ever stand out in the snow,capturing the passing scene – or to climb to the top of the dome in this picture. He is half my size and twice my endurance! Speaking of talented people, Katherine you do have a marvelous gift with words. Also, your Grandmother was a beautiful lady, as are you, inside and out.
on 26th street, between Madison and Park, one can find one of NYC more impressive courthouses.
its home to the appeals court, (in NY, the lowest court is called the supreme court, then there is a appelate courts, and the “top court” (state equivent to fed supreme court is court of appeals)
this court house is the one used as a ‘set’ for the court house scenes in the TV Show Law & Order, (and in one episode, as an example of an eye witnesses poor vision, the witness was asked to decribe one of the many murals that decorate the courthouse (unsuccessfully)
it is a very beautiful court house, and each of the court rooms are beautiful too.. (makes you think well of the legal system!)
it is also used as for swearing in new members of the bar in NYC.
(the NY courts use REAL Xerox brand copy machines, i had the privledge of a tour of the court house one day when i went to service a copier in courthouse)
(2 years ago i served on a grand jury, and the room (and building) were drab and municiple. it was in good repear, but dull green and gray, with vinyl floor tiles. hardly the sort of room to inspire respect!
Wow… that is SO beautiful!
Having spent 11 years painting decorative art (mostly restoring/renovating Catholic churches) I can certainly appreciate what went into that interior… Thank you for putting this up. :^)