Henry Matthews, Architectual Historian Speaks at the Cutter Theater

In case you missed it….
The capstone of a very fine exhibit at the historic Cutter Theater in Metaline Falls, Washington occurred on Sunday, May 20, 2007. Henry Matthews, Professor Emeritus of Washington State University and current part time instructor at the University of Washington presented excerpts from his book, Kirtland Cutter: Architect in the Land of Promise for an enthusiastic audience of architectural history buffs. The exhibit is on display for the months of April and May and contains many photographs of Cutter’s buildings as well as architectural drawings. Professor Matthews put together this exhibit for the prestigious Rainier Club in Seattle, which is housed in a building designed by Cutter.

Kirtland Kelsey Cutter’s life spanned the years of 1860 to 1939. He is responsible for the excellent urban architectural atmosphere that was created in Spokane following the fire of 1889. Professor Matthews identifies four phases of Cutter’s design career, three of which were during his Spokane years. The first was the Arts and Crafts Movement phase, which produced lasting, historic homes in Spokane, including many shingle-style houses. His next was the Fantasy phase of original and eclectic buildings, and finally The Rustic phase, in which he produced numerous grand lodges in the tradition of the Adirondacks. From 1923 until his death he designed Palos Verdes homes in California in the Spanish-revival and Mediterranean- revival styles. These historic homes and buildings are now known as structures uniquely in the California Style.

Besides a plethora of homes and buildings in Spokane, Metaline Falls, Washington is the proud location of two buildings of Cutter design. The Cutter Theater, circa 1912 was built as the Metaline Falls School and in use from 1912 to 1971 in that capacity. In 1994 the building was restored as the Cutter Theater for live performances, gallery, library and museum.

The Lewis P. Larsen house was designed and built in 1914 as a private residence. It is an excellent example of Cutter’s unique vision of the Craftsman era. The interior features a sunken living room with a massive fireplace and high beamed ceilings. Although it is still a private residence, it can easily be viewed from the street in downtown Metaline Falls.

In case you missed this excellent lecture, Henry Matthew’s book can be purchased from Spokane book sellers and online book sources.