17 South Avenue

dc.contributor.other	2011-10-07_jfr	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://dspace.willardlibrary.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/40315
dc.description	17 South Avenue	en_US
dc.description	Erskine Building, 17-19 South Avenue, built in 1920 by W. H. Erskine as a photographer's studio and candy shop, with apartments on the second story. From the November 3, 1920 Battle Creek Moon Journal, p. 9: ERSKINE STUDIO OPEN TOMORROW W. H. ERSKINE READY TO SHOW PUBLIC HIS HANDSOME NEW WORKSHOP ; Rooms Symphony In French Gray Soft Opalescent Color Tones ; Own Ideas Carried Out ; The new studio of W. H. Erskine, the well-known Battle Creek photographer artist, is to be thrown open to the public Wednesday and the reception will continue through Thursday. It is located in the new Erskine building at 17-19 South avenue and is one of the finest in the country, carrying out the original ideas of Mr. Erskine in every particular. As one steps from the entrance into the reception room his eye rests on a beautiful interior, reflecting soft opalescent color tones. The furniture is in French gray wicker upholstered in tapestried cretonne and includes fernery and floor lamp. The rug is also in gray as are the window lambrequins. The curtains of embroidered marquisette are white edged with fringe. Simplicity is everywhere evident and the walls are of the predominating color tone, gray. Ferns, flowers and autumn leaves and berries are used with artistic effect both here and In the sitting room, that opens into the reception room by means of French doors, the view being delightful, as it reveals a fireplace done in brick with its andirons and brasses. The sitting room is a long room with varied furniture, large divans, davenports, chairs of different styles and periods, all calculated to aid in giving more freedom to the sitters as well as greater opportunity for the artist to display a home atmosphere and influence. A most delightful lighting effect has been secured through the working out of the ideas of Mr. Erskine and it is possible to get just as good results in the night time as the day. The lower walls are in gray while the upper wall and ceiling are in blue of the tint of a lighter blue sky in June over which the soft fleecy clouds flit. A dome light has been effective- ly placed and In addition Mr. Er- skine has had manufactured to his order two other styles of lighting, with shades and attachments that will enable him to get the best possible effects. One is a 300 candle power electric light while the other is a much stronger one containing two 1600 candle power lights. These reflect a soft blue daylight light, with the influence of the wall arrangement. Aside from these two rooms and easy of access are the other rooms of the studio, the dearest little dressing room, all in gray and white, a developing room, printing and retouching room and the other in which the finishing is done. Here, too, one notes the several ideas original in detail that are the result of the artist's concep- tion. There are sinks, with num- erous devices, all calculated to bring about the best of results and little lighting effects to aid In the work of picturemaking. And cupboards are conveniently placed for the holding of supplies in the various rooms. And a charming little nook just off the reception room serves admirably for an office. The entire building, is heated by steam and just above the studio ar e the apartment s of Mr. and Mrs. Erskine, these within immediate call, since Mrs. Erskine is associated with her husband in his work. On the opposite side of the building are a candy store and another apartment above it. The erection of the Erskine building was begun in April and it is one of the fine additions to that part of the city, being located just opposite Monument Park. Its site was purchased from J. M. Brigham. Mr. Erskine has been a resident of Battle Creek for the past nine years, coming here from Toledo, and he was formerly located at 110 East Main street. He has had large experience in photography and has been engaged in his chosen profession in New York City, Philadelphia. Boston and other large eastern cities. Several fine prizes have been won by him in national Conventions.	en_US
dc.language.iso	En	en_US
dc.subject	South Avenue	en_US
dc.subject	Erskine, W. H.	en_US
dc.title	17 South Avenue	en_US
dc.type	Image	en_US