Cromwell online exhibition

The Oliver Cromwell, Manhattan, New York

 Cromwell's image and name were taken as design elements for a skyscraper in New York in the late 1920's. Why the architect, Emery Roth, chose the name and decorative theme is at present unknown. The building is located on the fashionable Upper West side, a few steps from Central Park, at 12 West 72nd Street. Finished in 1927 it was opened as an apartment style hotel with 175 suites. It is 32 stories high and commands views of the whole of Manhattan.
The external decoration includes a supposed image of Cromwell over the main doorway, and there were a series of public rooms downstairs with a tiled fountain with a bust of Cromwell in the lobby. Described in an architectural review as a 'very rich interior', it also had a panelled ceiling with figures in Spanish costume. More a Hollywood view of 17th century England than an accurate one! The building is without doubt the largest 'memorial' to Cromwell in existence.
It is a prestigious apartment block today.

The Cromwell Building, New York, rises 350 feet above street level on a building lot 100ft x 102ft. Although opened as a hotel it very soon became an apartment building which remains. (Ed Collins).

The figure over the main door clearly represents Cromwell but shows him in an untypical Spanish style helmet. Why Cromwell was chosen as the decorative theme is unknown. (Ed Collins).

 

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