![Nice Mullett
Boston Post Office & Subtreasury, by Alfred Bult Mullett, circa 1885. Razed in 1929.
His work was known as “fortress-like” and mostly categorized in the Second Empire style. During his career he produced about 40 government buildings, and two of the huge “Victorian piles” remain standing today (in St. Louis and Washington D.C.). One of his only buildings in New York City was known as “Mullett’s Monstrosity” - I think it was both hideous and cool looking, see for yourself below. It was built between 1869 and 1880, and demolished in 1939.
(images via Lost New York)
Sadly, Mr. Mullett met a tragic end —
“The New York Sun called him “the most arrogant, pretentious, and preposterous little humbug in the United States.” In 1890, in financial trouble and ill health, Mullett killed himself in Washington.”
He also got shat on posthumously —
“During the Modernist period, critics accused him of using overblown ornament to hide weak form.”
But, and this always happens —
“Following another shift in popular taste, however, he is recognized for his contribution to monumental Victorian architecture.” [source]
Unrelated: Hampton Court Palace, architectural mullet?](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lav49lPpe71qzvxbko1_400.jpg)
Nice Mullett
Boston Post Office & Subtreasury, by Alfred Bult Mullett, circa 1885. Razed in 1929.
His work was known as “fortress-like” and mostly categorized in the Second Empire style. During his career he produced about 40 government buildings, and two of the huge “Victorian piles” remain standing today (in St. Louis and Washington D.C.). One of his only buildings in New York City was known as “Mullett’s Monstrosity” - I think it was both hideous and cool looking, see for yourself below. It was built between 1869 and 1880, and demolished in 1939.
(images via Lost New York)
Sadly, Mr. Mullett met a tragic end —
“The New York Sun called him “the most arrogant, pretentious, and preposterous little humbug in the United States.” In 1890, in financial trouble and ill health, Mullett killed himself in Washington.”
He also got shat on posthumously —
“During the Modernist period, critics accused him of using overblown ornament to hide weak form.”
But, and this always happens —
“Following another shift in popular taste, however, he is recognized for his contribution to monumental Victorian architecture.” [source]
Unrelated: Hampton Court Palace, architectural mullet?
