George Washington Maher
George Washington Maher (December 25, 1864 – September 12, 1926) was a prominent American architect who played a significant role in the Arts and Crafts Movement and is often associated with the Prairie School of architecture. Maher's work is especially noted for its innovative approach to design, which sought to create an indigenous American architecture style free from historical references.
Early Life and Education
Maher was born in Mill Creek, West Virginia, to Sarah Landis and Theophile Maher. His family later relocated to New Albany, Indiana, where he received his early education in public schools. By 1883, Maher was working in Chicago as a draftsman for architects Augustus Bauer and Henry W. Hill. In 1887, he joined the office of architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee, where he worked alongside notable figures like Frank Lloyd Wright, George Grant Elmslie, and Cecil Corwin.
Architectural Career
Maher announced his independent practice in 1888 and shared an office with Cecil Corwin until 1892. His architectural philosophy was centered on developing a new style rooted in local conditions and devoid of excessive historical ornamentation. This philosophy aligned closely with the principles of the progressive architects in Chicago.
His notable works include the Old Fresno Water Tower, completed in 1894, which became a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another significant work is the Pleasant Home, a large Prairie-style mansion in Oak Park, Illinois, completed in 1897. This residence exemplifies Maher's dedication to the Arts and Crafts aesthetic and his innovative architectural approach.
Influence and Legacy
Maher's early writings, starting in 1889, advocated for an American architectural identity and greatly influenced his contemporaries and successors. He was a prolific author who continually encouraged architects to innovate and develop styles that reflected the American spirit.
Throughout his career, Maher contributed significantly to the architectural landscape of the United States, particularly in the Midwest. His influence extended to architects like Robert Seyfarth, who began his career under Maher's mentorship, and his son, Philip Brooks Maher, who continued his father's legacy in architecture.