Wednesday, November 8 at 12 PM – 1 PM
Dotty Brown, author of “Boathouse Row: Waves of Change in the Birthplace of American Rowing,” reveals PAFA’s unexpected connections to Philadelphia’s renowned Boathouse Row.
In the 19th century rowing was the hottest spectator sport, rife with high stakes races, gambling, and thousands who gathered on the shores of the Schuylkill River. But, it was artist Thomas Eakins who would leave us with the most lasting impressions of the sport through paintings of his Central High School classmate, champion rower Max Schmitt.
While Eakins, himself a rower, was capturing this world in paint, architect Frank Furness designed the Undine Barge Club – less then ten years after completing PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building. Inspired by Furness’ unique style, architects cultivated eclectic additions and renovations to other boathouses, making Boathouse Row the iconic spot that it is today.
Source: Thomas Eakins, Frank Furness and PAFA’s Ties to Boathouse Row