Discussion of high-quality construction and finishing in old buildings
Just a pleasant amassing of detail-- those panels probably were an inch thick because that was the thinnest marble they could cut and transport.
I do look at the nice old buildings in Philadelphia and wonder why people a century ago seemed to be able to afford so much more ornament than we can. I realize cheap labor is part of it, but I think it's also because they thought it was important.
Just a pleasant amassing of detail-- those panels probably were an inch thick because that was the thinnest marble they could cut and transport.
I do look at the nice old buildings in Philadelphia and wonder why people a century ago seemed to be able to afford so much more ornament than we can. I realize cheap labor is part of it, but I think it's also because they thought it was important.