Nov 082011
Financial District
Pacific Coast Stock Exchange
The Pacific Stock Exchange began life as a classical U.S. Treasury building, then in the 1930’s, Timothy Pflueger was hired to turn it into the Stock Exchange. He was growing weary of classicism but was instructed that the granite stairs and the ten Tuscan columns had to remain. The building was essentially torn town, leaving the front we see today. Then Pflueger met Ralph Stackpole, and a wonderful working relationship was formed.
Stackpole created the medallions on the entablature, as well as the two gorgeous art deco statues that grace the sides of the building.
This is titled Industry
This is titled Agriculture
Ralph Ward Stackpole (May 1, 1885 – December 13, 1973) was an American sculptor, painter, muralist, etcher and art educator, San Francisco’s leading artist during the 1920s and 1930s. Stackpole was involved in the art and causes of social realism, especially during the Great Depression, when he was part of the Federal Art Project for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Stackpole was friends with Diego Rivera and influential in having him brought to San Francisco for work on the Pacific Club.
If you are interested in more about the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange and it’s architecture you can read about it at Untapped Cities
Thank you for introducing us to Stackpole — what wonderful art deco statues! If only we had a federal art program today….
We love visiting San Francisco, but you show a part of it I’ve never seen. The medallions and statues are quite impressive. I enjoy your architectural photos.
I love deco sculptures – these are wonderful!
I like how his creative approach to leaving the columns and stairs but adding these wonderful statues and medallions.
What an impressive vintage building with all of its sculptures. It is amazing just how much is going on. Great detail. The columns are striking. genie
Terrific looking building. I particularly like the feminine statue.
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