Rafael Guastavino and the Boston Public Library

Abstract

This thesis looks at the role of Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino in the design and construction of the Boston Public Library through an examination of correspondence, construction documents and meeting minutes from the Archives of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library, the Guastavino/Collins Archive at Columbia and articles in Boston newspapers. This examination explains how and why Guastavino received the contract for tile vaulting at the library, the method of construction, his relationship with architect Charles F. McKim and the effect the library had on Guastavino's reputation and career as a builder.