Celebrate the publication of John C. Allen Jr.’s Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835, an exhibit hosted by West Virginia University Press and West Virginia College of Creative Arts will feature photographs and illustrations from this book in the Nutting Gallery at the Erikson Alumni Center in Morgantown, WV.
This exhibit, curated by WVU Assistant Professor of Creative Arts Robert Bridges, will be on display from February 22, 2012 until June 29, 2012.
Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835 is a fascinating architectural exploration, which details John C. Allen Jr.’s expansive seven-year survey of Jefferson County’s historic residences. Adorned with over seven hundred stylish photographs by Walter Smalling and elegant drawings, floor plans, and maps by Andrew Lewis, Uncommon Vernacular explores and preserves this historic area’s rich architectural heritage.
In his book, Allen focuses on dwellings built from the mid-18th century to the arrival of the railroad and canal in 1835 as he unfolds the unique story of the area’s early building traditions and architectural character. Allen spent seven years surveying historic homes in Jefferson County, including the plantation homes of George Washington’s family as well as the log houses of yeomen farmers.
To purchase this book visit www.wvupress.com or phone (800) 621-2736.
John C. Allen Jr. works as a preservation coordinator and architectural historian near Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He serves as the chairman of the Historic Landmarks Commission of Jefferson County, West Virginia. Illustrator Andrew Lewis is an award-winning licensed architect. Walter Smalling Jr., a Washington architectural photographer, began his professional career with the National Park Service and has worked as a freelance photographer since 1988.
This exhibit is sponsored by West Virginia University Press and West Virginia University College of Creative Arts.