Charles J. Connick: His Education and His Windows in and near Pittsburgh by Albert M. Tannler

Part of our Heinz Memorial Chapel collection, this book features the work of Charles J. Connick

When Charles Connick (1875-1945) died, The New York Times reported that he was "considered the world’s greatest contemporary craftsman in stained glass." Connick spent 22 of his first 32 years living in Pittsburgh, and it was here that he learned and first practiced the art and craft of stained glass window design and fabrication. In 1909 he settled permanently in the Boston area, living and working there until his death.

Drawing upon archival and published materials in Pittsburgh, Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., the book explores in depth Connick’s years of apprenticeship, and documents windows Connick designed and made between 1911 and 1941 in ten landmark buildings in southwestern Pennsylvania. Previously unpublished photographs of Connick and his early work, as well as new information concerning his career and craft, are included.

Features 116 illustrations (84 color; 32 black and white) in a soft cover format.

About the Author:
Albert 'Al' Tannler, an architectural historian and author of significant books on the history and architectural heritage of Pittsburgh, was a consummate researcher, editor, and archivist.

Al was the director of the historical collections for the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation for 28 years, overseeing two libraries in addition to his scholarly interests.

Al wrote Charles J. Connick: His Education and His Windows in and near Pittsburgh after more than a decade of research into architectural glass and the discovery that buildings in Pittsburgh had some of the most inspired glass to be found anywhere. Published by PHLF, the book was selected by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette selected one of the best books of 2008.

Al was incredibly fascinated by the lives and stories of the architects and their clients, who built America, and the significance of their work in establishing an aesthetic that continues to define and impact how we appreciate the built environment. He established meaningful connections with architectural scholars and organizations in Pittsburgh, throughout the United States, and overseas.

For many years, he profiled more than 120 architects whose work defined the architectural landscape of our city and region through his writing, lectures, and specialized tours. He joined the Society of Architectural Historians in 1991 and retired in 2019.

Author: Albert M. Tannler
Publish Date: 2008
Publisher: Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
Page Count: 176
ISBN-13: 978-0978828431