James Monroe Hewlett

James "Monroe" Hewlett (August 1, 1868 – October 18, 1941)[1] was an American Beaux Arts architect, scenic designer, and muralist.

James Monroe Hewlett
Born
James Monroe Hewlett

(1868-08-01)August 1, 1868
Rock Hall (Lawrence, New York)
United States
DiedSeptember 18, 1941(1941-09-18) (aged 73)
Martin's Lane, Lawrence, NY
United States
OccupationArchitect, Muralist
Spouse(s)Anna Willets (1867–1920; deceased); 10 children
Estelle Rodgers Wilbur(1890–1967; until his death); 1 child
ChildrenDavid Hewlett
Anne Hewlett Fuller
Anglesea Hewlett Abbot
Willets Hewlett
Arthur Thomas Hewlett

Hewlett was born into an old Long Island family at Rock Hall in Lawrence, New York. He is descended from a long line of Hewletts for which the town of Hewlett, New York is named.

Hewlett graduated from Columbia University School of Mines in 1890. During his time at Columbia, Hewlett studied architecture under William Robert Ware and was captain of the varsity football team. After a year of study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he joined the prestigious architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, where he met his future business partner Austin W. Lord. In 1894, he and Lord founded the New York architectural firm of Lord and Hewlett. The firm designed many notable buildings and monuments.

Monroe, as he was known by his friends and colleagues, was president of the Brooklyn chapter of American Institute of Architects, a founding member the Digressionists, President of the Architectural League of New York, and headed the National Society of Mural Painters. He was also a member of the National Academy of Design, Vice-President of the American Institute of Architects, Director of the American Academy in Rome, and Chairman of the committee for erecting Carnegie Libraries in Brooklyn.

James Monroe Hewlett was the father-in-law of Buckminster Fuller[2] and is credited with the creation of the mural of the heavens on the ceiling of Grand Central Station in New York City.[3]

References
  1. National Academy Museum. "James Monroe Hewlett". National Academy Museum.
  2. Lloyd Steven Sieden. Buckminster Fuller's Universe: His Life and Work. New York: Perseus Books Group, 2000. ISBN 0-7382-0379-3.
  3. Dan Thurber (June 3, 2016). "The Hidden History of Grand Central Terminal's Celestial Ceiling". Untapped Cities. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
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