Architectural sculptor, modeler, and repousse craftsman John W.
Elliott (1883-1971) was born and educated in Sheffield, England. Elliott was
the son of a stone carver and modeler. He began his apprenticeship as a
silversmith when he was thirteen before he went on to formally study design at
the Sheffield Technical School of Art (now part of the University of
Sheffield). Elliott emigrated to the United States in 1906. He initially
settled in New England and worked for Gorham Silver in Rhode Island and the
International Silver Company in Connecticut. After moving to Seattle in 1924,
Elliott worked as an architectural sculptor for Gladding, McBean & Company
from 1927-1932. He later opened his home studio at 7515 California Avenue
Southwest in West Seattle and specialized in metal repousse, modeling for
ornamental plaster, ecclesiastical metalwork, and silversmithing. His work
includes the metal panels at the entrance to the Northwestern Mutual Fire
Association Building, thirty-four repousse panels in the Seattle City Light
Building, and the sculpted
John W. Elliott was an active member of the Seattle arts community. He was one of twelve founding members of the Craftsmen's Guild of Washington. The organization was founded in 1938 to further the interests of skilled craftsmen and to perpetuate the arts and crafts, recognized as artificial stone, bookbinding, carvings, ceramics, commercial art, metal design and craftsmanship, fine art furniture, stained and architectural art glass, table and ornamental glass, illuminated manuscripts, jewelry, lapidary, light fixtures, leatherwork, modeling, mural painting, packaging, creative photography, fine picture framing, ornamental plaster, pottery, printmaker, sculpture, taxidermy, decorative terra cotta, and textiles. A exhibition of work by the Craftsmen's Guild was shown at the Seattle Art Museum in 1942; Elliott's process for the gates at the US Post Office in Longview, Washington, as well as the decorative arts were featured as part of the exhibition.
John W. Elliott was appointed to the Seattle City Art exhibition committee in 1940. In addition to his career as a craftsman, Elliott also worked as District Supervisor for the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation during the 1940s and 1950s. Elliott was awarded a Certificate of Superior Craftsmanship in Architectural Sculpture and Repousse in Metal by the Washington State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The Northern Clay Products Company was established in 1906. The company drew their clay from mineral deposits around Auburn and Renton, Washington. The clay was formed in molds, glazed, and fired at high temperatures into a product known as terra cotta. Gladding, McBean & Company, a California company, acquired Northern Clay Products and the Denny-Renton Coal & Clay Company during the 1920s. Terra cotta was particularly well-suited for the art deco ornamentation that was favored during the 1930s during the skyscraper boom in Seattle.
Chasing and repousse are traditional silversmith techniques commonly executed in britannia metal, an alloy of tin, antimony, and copper developed in the 18th century. The relief images were drawn onto the panels by a process called chasing, in which dull chisels form indentations on the surface of the metal. Chasing is then followed by repousse, in which the image is pushed out from behind with a snarling iron.
Photographs and drawings from the personal collection of John W. Elliott feature architectural sculpture and metalwork. Photographs include studio images from Gladding, McBean & Company of clay models for terracotta sculpture during the 1930s and 1940s. Additional photographs include images of commemorative plaques, awards, and ecclesiastical metalwork. Recent photographs taken during the 1990s and early 2000s by John W. Elliott's son, Bill Elliott, feature images of buildings with ornamentation attributed to John W. Elliott.
The collection is open to the public.
Restrictions might exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact the repository for details.
Collection was assembled by Bill Elliott, son of John W. Elliott. Photographs were assembled from John W. Elliott's personal photographs. Additional photographs and research materials from the 1990s were taken by Bill Elliott.
Source: Christine Morgan, 2014.
Processed by Kelly Daviduke. Processing completed in 2014.
Published materials about John W. Elliott have been transferred to the
The 1411 4th Avenue Building was designed by Robert C. Reamer for the Metropolitan Building Company. The building was constructed in 1928 for $1,100,000. John W. Elliott possibly worked with Lloyd Lovegren as an architectural modeler for the entrance sign and other exterior ornamentation. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
The American Federal Savings and Loan building was designed by Siebold & Associates in 1963. John W. Elliott likely designed the clay model for the sculptural eagle placed over the entrance doorway. The eagle was cast in bronze by the Vern Rowe at the Ballard Pattern and Brass Foundry.
See: Charles F. Berg Building, Portland, Oregon.
Bishop Blanchet High School was designed by John Maloney and dedicated in November 1955. The building featured five panels on the north side of the building depicting different fields of study: arts, athletics, classics, religion, and science.
Item 8b is an enlargement of item 8a.
Item 9b is an enlargement of item 9a.
Alternate name: Dolph Building.
The Charles F. Berg Building is one of the best examples of commercial art deco architecture in Portland. The exterior of the building was redesigned in 1929 by the Grand Rapids Store Equipment Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. John W. Elliott, working as a sculptor for Gladding, McBean & Company, produced the terracotta ornamentation.
This panel is located over the upper windows of the building.
This panel is located in the center section of the building.
This panel is located in the right section of the building.
The Exchange Building was designed by John Graham, Sr. in 1929. The building was originally designed to house the Seattle Stock Exchange, but was adapted for office use after the stock market crash. John W. Elliott possibly worked as an architectural modeler for the interior and exterior ornamentation. The building was designated as a Historic Landmark by the Seattle Preservation Board in 1990.
Alternate name: Old Federal Building.
The Federal Office Building was designed in 1929 by James A. Wetmore, working with local architects Bebb & Gould and John Graham, Sr. The terra cotta and stone ornamentation is partially attributed to John W. Elliott.
Designed by Sherwood D. Ford, 1928. The Spanish Baroque theater was originally to be named (and themed) The Mayflower, though it opened as The Fox Theatre in 1929. The theater has used many names including The Fox (1929), The Roxy (1933), The Music Hall (1934), The Seventh Avenue (1964), The Music Hall (1978), Jack McGovern's Music Hall (1979), and The Emerald Palace (1987). John W. Elliott was the architectural modeler and sculptor of the interior and cast stone exterior of the theater. In keeping with the original Mayflower theme, Elliott designed two decorative ship's prows that extended from each side of the theater just forward of the proscenium arch. The theater's Robert Morton pipe organ's chambers were hidden behind the grille of the prows. The theater was demolished in 1991.
The Great Northern Building was designed by Robert C. Reamer and constructed in 1929. The building is noted for its use of art deco ornamentation. John W. Elliott possibly worked as an architectural modeler for exterior ornamentation on the building.
Alternate name: Jane Addams Middle School.
Jane Addams Junior High School was designed in 1949 by Mallis, Dehart & Hopkins. The building featured three cast stone ornamentation panels over the entrance, attributed to John W. Elliott, depicting different fields of study.
Panel shows an arrangement of musical instruments, paintbrushes, and an artist's palette. Item 34a is a cropped enlargement of item 34b.
Modern reprint of entire photograph.
Panel shows an arrangement of scissors, sewing thread, spoon, and spatula against a floral background. Item 35a is a cropped enlargement of item 35b.
Partial view of adjacent panel (science) to left.
Modern reprint of entire photograph.
Panel shows an arrangement of scales and lab equipment. Item 36a is a cropped enlargment of item 36b.
Partial view of adjacent panel (home economics) to right; panel is shown upside-down in studio.
Modern reprint of entire photograph.
The Joseph Vance Building was designed by John Graham, Sr. working with Victor Voorhees. John W. Elliott possibly worked as an architectural modeler and sculptor for the building's exterior terracotta ornamentation.
John W. Elliott possibly worked as an architectural modeler and sculptor for the building's statue of Abraham Lincoln.
See: United States Post Office, 1603 Larch Street, Longview, Washington.
The Marine Building was constructed by McCarter & Nairne in 1930. John W. Elliott one of four sculptors working with Gladding-McBean & Company on the Marine Building designed many of the terracotta relief panels on the exterior of the building. Gladding-McBean & Company photographs have been arranged alpha-numerically by the identifying number in the photograph of each clay model.
Inscribed on verso: Spandrel, Marine Bldg. Vancouver, B. C. / McCartney [sic] & Nairne Architects, Vancouver, B. C. / Gladding McBean Contractors, Seattle, Wash.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side and identification number 1021-AB73 at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at right side and identification number 1021-AF1 at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at left side and identification number 1021-AF1 at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side and identification number 1021-AF2 at bottom.
Commemorative relief panel representing James Cook's command of the HMS Discovery ship.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-AG visible at bottom.
Commemorative relief panel representing the coastal survey of the British Columbia coast by the HMS Egeria.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-AG visible at bottom.
Commemorative relief panel representing James Cook's command of the HMS Resolution.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-AG visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-AJ7 visible at bottom.
Panel is shown as three separate pieces, numbered as 1-3. Probably intended to be stacked.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-AK3 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-AL53 visible at bottom.
Textured clay visible on wings.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-AM9 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-BM1 visible at side.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-MB5 (probably intended as BM5) visible at side.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-BM11 and number 8 visible at bottom.
Item 57a has a section drawing of the belt course drawn in graphite on verso.
Item 57b is inscribed on verso: Belt course for Marine Bldg., Vancouver B. C.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-CA1 visible at bottom.
Item 58b is inscribed on verso: Belt course for Marine Bldg., Vancouver B. C.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-CA2 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side and identification number 1021-EA at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side and identification number 1021-EB at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-EF visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-EF visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side and identification number 1021-EW at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company identification number 1021-LC visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company identification number 1021-LC visible at bottom.
Numbering for adjacent panels is visible along the outer edges of the panel.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-RA1 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-RA2 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-RA3 at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-SA visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-TA visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021-UC at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side and identification number 1021-WC at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side and identification number 1021 at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1021 visible at side.
Alternate name: Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The three-story Montlake Laboratory was designed by John Graham, Sr. in 1931. John W. Elliott possibly worked as a modeler and sculptor for the building's exterior ornamentation.
Alternate names: Northern Life Tower; Seattle Tower.
The Northern Life Insurance Company was designed by Albertson, Wilson, & Richardson. John W. Elliott modeled the ornamentation for the outside of the building, as well as Joseph Wilson's design for the Pacific Rim map at the end of the lobby.
Photocopy of handwritten notes documenting a conversation with Mary Bassetti in which she recalls accompanying her father, Joseph Wilson, to John W. Elliott's studio to work out designs for the elaborate castings on the Northern Life Tower.
Alternate name: Olympic Tower, United Shopping Tower.
The United Shopping Tower was designed by Henry Bittman and constructed in 1929. In December 1932, the Northwestern Mutual Fire Association signed a ten year lease that allowed them to rename the building the Northwestern Mutual Insurance Building. As the primary tenant, they added features during an extensive remodel that included two large repousse panels at the entrance depicting fireman at work in downtown Seattle.
Artist's signature in lower right corner. Mounted to board. John W. Elliott's signature and address on verso.
Artist's signature below wheel. Mounted to board. John W. Elliott's signature and address on verso.
See: Northwestern Mutual Insurance Building, 3rd Avenue at Pine Street, Seattle, Washington
The Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company building was designed by Bebb & Gould in 1930. John W. Elliott was working with Gladding-McBean & Company at the time of its construction and the terra cotta ornamentation on the exterior of the building is partially attributed to him.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 987-AF visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 987-AM and 987-AG visible at bottom.
Written on verso: Orn. for Telephone Bldg. Yakima Wash / Bebb & Gould, Architects Hoge Bldg, Seattle, Wash. / Gladding McBean Contractors, Seattle, Wash.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 987-CD visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler visible at side.
The Puget Sound Power and Light building was designed by Shaw & Shaw in 1929. The architectural ornamentation featured work by John W. Elliott for Gladding-McBean & Company.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification numbers 1011-AH2 and AH-3 visible at bottom.
Inscribed on verso: Figures representing light and power / Puget Sound Light & Power Co. (Stone & Webster), Puyalupp [sic], Wash. / Shaw Bros. Architects, Tacoma, Wash. / Gladding McBean Contractors, Seattle, Wash.
Photograph possibly reprinted from the Boland collection at Tacoma Public Library, circa 1990s.
Photograph possibly reprinted from the Boland collection at Tacoma Public Library, circa 1990s.
The Rhodes Medical Arts Building was dedicated in 1931. At the time of its construction, the 17-story art deco building was the tallest building in Tacoma, and the first full-service medical center in the city. The building was designed by John Graham, Sr., Architect & Engineer, and Heath, Gove & Bell, Associate Architects, Tacoma, for the United Rhodes Realty Corporation. The building was purchased for use as a city hall by the City of Tacoma in 1977 and, after subsequent remodeling, it was renamed Tacoma Municipal Building in 1981. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Photoreproduction of handwritten notes documenting a conversation between Bill Elliott and Rodney Kirkwood of the DLR Group/John Graham & Company in 1990 in which Kirkwood confirms that John W. Elliott was the architectural modeler on the Rhodes Medical Arts Building project.
The Roosevelt Theatre, designed by Henry Bittman, opened in 1933 and featured an art deco facade. John W. Elliott designed and crafted a copper repousse panel for the lobby.
John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner of panel.
Written on verso: Copper repousse panel 2' x 3' / Roosevelt Theater, Seattle, Washington / Bittman, Architect, Securities Bldg., Seattle, Wash. / Bailey Contractor, Seattle, Wash.
The lobby of the Seattle City Light building featured thirty-six
medallions commissioned by Seattle City Light titled
A published booklet by Seattle City Light showing
John W. Elliott designed the repousse britiannia metal panels which were installed in one continuous length above the main entrance of the original bank building. The panels were removed in 1982 when the building was demolished and the panels were transferred to the Renton Historical Society Museum.
Sixteen photographs assembled together with tape on the back to create a panoramic panel. Panel represents various industries in Washington including agriculture, aviation, building, forestry, maritime, shipping, and transportation.
The Seattle First National Bank, constructed circa 1953, featured a semi-circular tympanum divided evenly into three wedge-shaped panels depicting different industries important to the region. The design and execution of the panels is attributed to John W. Elliott. The panels were transferred to a private home.
Tympanum composed of three wedge-shaped panels depicting the area's industries.
Enlargement of item 112a.
See: Northern Life Insurance Company building.
The United States Post Office in Longview was designed by Bebb & Gould with assistance from John Graham, Sr. Construction was completed in 1934. The red brick building featured an entrance with art deco panels in cast aluminum bas-relief representing the region's industries.
Stamped on verso: Silver glaze finish / Jacobsen's / Bellingham, Wash. / Aug 9, 1945.
Stamped on verso: Silver glaze finish / Jacobsen's / Bellingham, Wash. / Aug 9, 1945.
Stamped on verso: Silver glaze finish / Jacobsen's / Bellingham, Wash. / Aug 9, 1945.
Stamped on verso: Silver glaze finish / Jacobsen's / Bellingham, Wash. / Aug 9, 1945.
Alternate name: Herbert H. Gowen Hall.
The first law school building on campus, the John T. Condon
Hall (later Gowen Hall), was designed by A. H. Albertson, circa 1932, and
featured sculptures in cast stone by John W. Elliott. The sixteen portraits
were collectively titled
The UW Law School occupied Condon Hall from its construction in 1932. It was later renamed Gowen Hall, and a new Condon Hall (Condon #2) housing the law school was constructed on Campus Parkway in 1974.
These photographs are modern reprints of 1932 photographs showing the clay models used to cast the medallions. Each photograph is a 3.5 x 5 inch photograph showing two images.
Original drawing not included with drawings.
Image taken prior to lettering.
Image taken prior to lettering.
Full scale drawings of eleven of the sixteen medallions feature Sir Francis Bacon, Jeremy Bentham, Benjamin Nathan Cardozo, Hammurabi, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Hugo Grotius, James Kent, William Murray Mansfield, John Marshall, Sir Frederick Pollock, and Joseph Story.
Full scale drawing of the design for the Scales of Justice panel with handwritten notes.
Alternate name: Administration Building.
Gerberding Hall was designed by University of Washington Department of Architecture alumni Victor Noble Jones and John T. Jacobsen. Construction was completed in 1949 and featured cast stone decorations and copper repousse panels attributed to John W. Elliott.
Image focused on an owl with an open book at the top of the panel.
Image focused on inscription of UW's motto: Lux Sit 1861.
Item 173 scanned from negative.
Item 175 scanned from negative.
Fields of study are represented by a feather quill penn, L-Square, chemistry beaker, and star.
Scanned from negative.
Fields of study are represented by a triangle, barbell, and justice scales.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Digital print.
Digital print.
Guggenheim Hall was originally designed by John Graham, Sr., and dedicated in 1930 as a facility dedicated to the study of astronomy and aeronatics. The building was renovated in 2007, but John W. Elliott's exterior ornamentation was retained.
Plaque inscribed: Dedicated to the advancement of the science of aeronautics, A. D. 1924.
Hall Health was designed by Albertson, Wilson & Richard in 1936. John W. Elliott likely executed the model that was used for the terra cotta ornamentation on the outside of the building.
Alternate name: Mary Gates Hall.
Physics Hall was designed by Carlson, Eley & Grevstad in 1928. A southeast wing addition, designed by John Graham & Company, was added to the building in 1949. Some exterior ornamentation is attributed to John W. Elliott.
Item 192 scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
Scanned from negative.
The Washington Athletic Club was designed by architect Sherwood D. Ford and constructed in 1930. John W. Elliott was one of four sculptors working with Gladding-McBean & Company on the exterior bas-relief and sculpted terra cotta ornamentation for the Washington Athletic Club Building.
Gladding-McBean & Company photographs have been arranged alpha-numerically by the identifying number in the photograph of each clay model.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-AC19 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers AC-25 and 1049-BC7 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-BC8 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-BD1 and 2 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-BD3 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-CF1 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-CF18 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-CH1 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-CK1 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-HD1 and HC2 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-HF17 visible at bottom.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler with identification numbers 1049-SA1 and 2 visible at bottom.
John W. Elliott crafted a plane-type sundial in hand-hammered bas relief for the Washington State Library, designed by Paul Thiry. The six-foot sundial, placed between directly in front of the State Library rested on a slab of Wilkeson sandstone. The sundial is divided into seven panels depicting important events in Washington's history, including Vancouver's discoveries in 1792, the establishment of Fort Okanogan in 1811, the erection of Fort Vancouver in 1825, the Cowlitz Convention in 1851, crossing Naches Pass in 1853, the first water-powered sawmill in 1829, the first railroad to Puget Sound in 1883, and the Medicine Creek Treaty in 1854. Historic scenes are encircled by Roman numerals and Zodiac symbols.
Program from the Washington State Library building dedication.
The art deco Washington State National Guard Armory was designed by Joseph Wohleb and Roland E. Borhek in 1938. John W. Elliott sculpted the relief eagle that sits above the entry at the apex of the vaulted roof.
Approval stamp and signature on verso by Joseph Wohleb.
John W. Elliott's stylized Washington State Seal features a relief portrait of George Washington with lettering along outer edge.
Full scale drawing of seal features relief portrait of George Washington with lettering around outer edge. Small profile of relief drawn adjacent to seal.
John Maloney designed the Holland Library building at Washington State University in 1950. The building featured a waiting area with curved leather settee, concentric with a circular writing table. John W. Elliott designed the eight bas-relief bronze floor medallions inset around the writing table. Each of the eight medallions represents a different industry important to the area: power, lumber, agriculture, mining, construction, fisheries, recreation, and business. The plaster casts used in creating the medallions were donated to the Washington State University in 2011.
Design shows two men working with wheat;
Design shows two men working with a telephone and
calculator;
Design shows two men working holding a piece of lumber with
building framing visible in the background;
Design shows two men working with nets;
Design shows two men holding an axe with trees in the
background;
Design shows two men working with a pickaxe;
Design shows two men working with a wrench and switch lever;
Design shows two people with mountains, trees, and water;
Image shows all eight medallions presented against a black background.
The Ann Morrison Memorial Park is a 145 acre urban park near downtown Boise, Idaho. The park is named after Anna Daly, who married Harry W. Morrison, founder of the Morrison-Knudsen Company. John W. Elliott was the designer and craftsman for the bronze memorial for Anna Daly Morrison.
Plaque reads: Ann Morrison Memorial Park / Anna Daly Morrison 1884-1957 / She knew the shrines, the peoples, the cities of faraway lands... yet dearest of all was this, her home, the place she knew as Boise the Beautiful. / Dedicated to her memory by Harry W. Morrison Family Foundation, Inc.
Plaque includes a portrait of Anna Daly Morrison with memorial text
Invoice for Ann Daly Morrison memorial plaque addressed to Mr. James L. Brown, General Manager of the Statesman Newspaper in Boise, Idaho.
The Bethany Presbyterian Church was designed by architect Charles Hay and constructed in 1930. The commemorative brittania metal panels were designed and executed by John W. Elliott.
Plaque features John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner.
Plaque reads: Marjorie Rabel memorial chimes, 1906-1931 / The gift of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Rabel.
John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner. Handwritten financials on verso.
Repousse plaque commemorates the retirement of D. Roy Johnson. The plaque shows the J. C. Penney Company building in downtown Seattle on Third Avenue with representations of the district manager D. Roy Johnson and his wife and an early store facade. Inscription reads: D. Roy Johnson / From Little Tekoa to Seattle / 1920 - Progress - 1958. Second inscription details his career: Tekoa, Washington, 1924-1926 / Sand Point, Idaho, 1926-1927 / Kalispell, Montana, 1927-1929 / District Manager, 1929-1933 / Spokane, Washington, 1933-1945 / Seattle, Washington, 1945-1958.
Alternate name: Harborview.
John W. Elliott worked as the designer and craftsman on a repousse dedication plaque for the King County Hospital Outpatient Department. The plaque reads "Dedicated to Health and Welfare" and lists the names of the county commissioners and architects Theodore Damm and Henry Bittman, 1954.
Plaster cast of Jesus Christ from St. Paul's Cathedral in Yakima visible in background.
John W. Elliott possibly designed and executed the repousse plaque.
Plaque reads: Presented by the City of Seattle, Port of Seattle, and Seattle Chamber of Commerce to the Nippon Yusen Kaisha Company in commemoration of the arrival at Seattle, november 23, 1951, of the Heiyo Maru honoring maritime relations between Seattle and Japan which began in August 31, 1896 with the arrival of the Miike Maru, the first Japanese vessel to choose Seattle as its North American port.
Repousse shows steamships and view of port lettered "1896 - NYK - 1951". Plaque is unsigned.
John W. Elliott designed and executed two memorial plaques and a series of five commemorative panels for the company. The commemorative jubilee plaque was one of five presented for the fiftieth anniversary of the company in 1946. The remaining four panels depict the art of brewing with scenes taken from the development of Olympia beer. The panels were shown in the lobby building of the new Olympia Brewing Company office and bottling department expansion in 1948.
John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner of plaque.
John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner of plaque.
John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner of plaque.
Plaque contains inscription commemorating the 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee Celebration). The original wooden brewhouse is shown at bottom of plaque. John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner. Inscription reads: Appreciation from employees of the Olympia Brewing Company / 50th Anniversary 1896-1946 / to Peter G. Schmidt, President, Adolph D. Schmidt, Vice-Presidence / Leopold F. Schmidt, 1846-Founder-1914.
Artist's signature in lower right corner.
People identified from left to right: John W. Elliott, sculptor (at microphone); Roy Hall, office manager; Gus Lorenzen; Mrs. Peter (Clara) G. Schmidt; Peter G. Schmidt, Jr.; Marie Strang; Clara Louise Huffine; and Mrs. Adolph D. Schmidt, Sr.
Plaque has a portrait of Adolph D. Schmidt with inscription below: In honor and memory of our friend and employer, Adolph D. Schmidt, this bronze is respectfully dedicated as a token of affection and esteem by the employees of the Olympia Brewing Company.
Plaque has a portrait of Peter G. Schmidt with inscription below: In honor and memory of our friend and employer, Peter G. Schmidt, this bronze is respectfully dedicated as a token of affection and esteem by the employees of the Olympia Brewing Company.
Drawings show the conceptual development of the panel representing the artesian well at Tumwater Falls. Small drawing focuses on rendering the detail in the hops, wheat, and barley; multiple drawings focus on rendering elements of the waterfall, bridge, and rocks that appear at the center of the image. Fully rendered final design is included with these drawings, as is a photostat print of the final design.
Two drawings, both rendered by hand, show the panel design representing the scientific research behind brewing. Drawings are different sizes.
Two drawings, both rendered by hand, show the panel design representing the scientific research behind brewing. Drawings are different sizes.
Design for the plaque is rendered with the fermentation tank at the center of the image with four smaller images in the corners showing the bottling operation.
Photostat print contains a photograph of the fermentation tank at Olympia Brewing Company that has been marked by the artist to indicate how different fixtures in the room should be relocated and dimensioned to create the plaque's final design.
Design for panel showing kegs being loaded onto a truck at center with smaller images of crating the beer, a warehouse and forklift, ship transportation, and train transportation in corners. Drawing on heavy paper has handwritten notes in margins.
Plaque is inscribed: Appreciation from employees of the Olympia Brewing Company / 50th Anniversary 1896-1946 / to Peter G. Schmidt, President, Adolph D. Schmidt, Vice-President / Leopold F. Schmidt, 1846-Founder-1914. Inscription is framed by leaves on each side and an image of the brewery building at bottom.
Slightly reduced photostat reproduction of commemorative plaque design shows the finished design.
One drawing is partially rendered and shows an incomplete name for Alfred D. Schmidt.
John W. Elliott designed a bronze plaque placed at the entrance to the student union building at Pacific Lutheran University in 1949. The bronze citation plaque recognized donors for their contributions in the construction of the new building. The plaque is etched with John W. Elliott's signature in the lower right corner. The plaque was removed after the building was replaced in 1970.
Location of plaque drawn on verso.
John W. Elliott designed a bronze plaque memorializing soldiers from Parkland, Washington, who died in World War II. Plaque reads: In honor and memory of Parkland men who gave their lives in the service of their country, World War II / Pax Vobiscum [peace with you]. The plaque lists the names of the following men: Vernon F. Becker, Robert J. Benson, Lloyd D. Farnell, George C. Galbraith, Lawrence M. Ganes, Robert Gunns, Robert E. Hutchins, Lloyd O. Jensen, Theodore G. Lowell, Rodger W. Lunde, Laverne O. Nelson, Robert W. Owens, Richard W. Selden, James P. Severson, and Lester Skanse. Thr plaque measured 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. The plaque was originally mounted on grounds belonging to the Franklin Pierce School district that were later sold to Pierce Transit for construction of the Parkland Transit Center. The plaque was vandalized and stolen in September 2007 and returned to its location in May 2010 after repairs.
John W. Elliott's signature in lower right corner of plaque and on verso of photograph.
The Paul Bunyan Trophy Award was established in 1944 by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce as an annual competition to recognize the efforts of promoting and publicizing Seattle nationally. The award was referred to as Seattle's 'Oscar' of advertising and promotion. The plaque was crafted in britannia metal repousse by John W. Elliott, working in collaboration with Kenneth Callahan. The plaque featured Paul Bunyan standing with his axe and ox.
Plaque reads: Boeing Aircraft Company / Greatest amount of publicity favorable to Seattle in 1944.
Banquet probably for the presentation of the 1944 Paul Bunyan Trophy to Boeing Airplane Company or the 1945 Paul Bunyan Trophy to the Seattle Times.
Plaque reads: The Paul Bunyan Trophy / Awarded by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to The Seattle Times in recognition of its outstanding accomplishment in bringing favorable national publicity to Seattle during 1945.
Seattle added markers to indicate historic points of interest along the waterfront. John W. Elliott modeled the rope plaque in his home studio. The plaque was dedicated in 1959 in honor of the 1897 arrival of the S. S. Portland, marking the start of the Alaskan Gold Rush.
Silver repousse plaque attributed to John W. Elliott.
Plaque reads: Shell Company of California / Inter-city Lubricating Oil Sales Contest, 1926.
Memorial plaque featuring relief portait of Calvin Cobb,
publisher for the Idaho Statesman. The
Portrait of Calvin Cobb. Plaque is inscribed: Calvin Cobb, Publisher, The Idaho Statesman, 1889-1928. John W. Elliot's signature is visible in lower right corner of plaque.
Letter from Statesman Printing Company to John W. Elliott acknowledging receipt of the memorial plaque.
Victory Square was dedicated on May 2, 1942. Victory Square was intended to raise money and morale for the World War II war effort. The square featured a speaker's stand in the shape of Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, and a replica of the Washington monument inscribed with the names of King County soldiers who had died in the war. The monument was removed in 1949 and this plaque was installed on the site of Victory Square. The plaque was removed in 1975 during the construction of the Rainier Bank Tower on the site of the monument and placed inside the building after its completion.
Plaque reads: At this site known as Victory Square the citizens of Seattle and King County rallied their efforts toward victory in World War II, 1942-1945. Here were recorded the names of our brave citizens who gave their lives in that great conflict. To every Seattle citizen this ground will forever remain sacred.
Photograph taken for Oregon Brass Works.
John W. Elliott crafted a repousse plaque featuring a king salmon presented to Warren Magnuson in 1946.
Plaque reads: West Seattle Kiwanis Club Traveling Salmon.
Plaque reads: King Salmon of the State of Washington presented to United States Senator Warren G. Magnuson.
John W. Elliott's signature and contact information on verso.
Full scale sketch of of fish by and reproduction working drawing showing the fish in reversed profile with location detail by J. C. Clausen, Engineer. Written on verso of reproduction: "Salmon" for Washington State Fisheries. J. W. E. Original Drawings for Repousse Salmon.
See series titled "Awards and Plaques" for information on the brittania metal commemorative panels Elliott crafted for Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Drawing shows the bronze and sterling silver cross with center medallion featuring the Chi Rho symbol, lamb, and blue enameled background. Notes indicate the cross featured holly and ebony wood trim; also shows details of mounting plates and side elevation.
Designed by Harold C. Whitehouse and constructed in 1961. The church featured a floor medallions by John W. Elliott.
Approval signature by architect H. Whitehouse on back.
Shield is lettered: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus.
Approval signature by architect H. Whitehouse on verso, dated June 5, 1961.
Approval signature by architect H. Whitehouse on verso, dated June 5, 1961.
Coat of arms features a stag on each side of a shield with the motto "Deus Caritas Veritas" written below. Shield has a sun behind a cross indicating the Anglican Communion.
Reproductions of a full-scale detail drawing for a circular floor medallion. Medallion shows a coat of arms, featuring a shield topped by a bishop's mitre, at center with rays extending to outer inscription: The tower is gratefully dedicated to Rt. Rev. Edward M. Cross, Cathedral founder. One reproduction has been cut into the round medallion shape and features a reverse image of the medallion drawn in graphite on verso.
John W. Elliott designed and executed a custom crosier of silver and ebony for Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis. Inside the crook, Elliott reproduced the diocesan seal in repousse featuring a boat surmounted by a mitre (the bishop's headpiece). The custom crosier was made possible through a gift of the people of St. James parish, Los Angeles, where Bishop Curtis was a rector, and from the clergy of the Diocese of Olympia.
Reprinted from original.
John W. Elliott designed
The chapel contained shrines to St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary designed and crafted by John W. Elliott in repousse on German silver.
Designed by James M. Klontz & Associates, circa 1959. The church featured copper repousse gates by John W. Elliott.
Design for altar rail shows a square panel with three clusters of grapes arranged in a triangle, center, surrounded by medallions in outer frame. Each medallion contains a different symbol of the church. Outer medallions not present in final design.
Photocopied documentation of a phone call between Bill Elliott and James Klontz in 1990 confirming that John W. Elliott was commissioned for the communion rail.
A. H. Albertson designed the Romanesque church in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle in 1931. John W. Elliott, working as an architectural sculptor for Gladding-McBean & Company, designed and crafted exterior ornamentation on the church. Most notably, the church featured a metalwork tympanum over its entrance featuring a cross and haloed eagle representing St. John.
Item (a) contains detailed finish instructions on verso by John W. Elliott.
Item (b) is signed on verso by John W. Elliott with notes: Main entrance, St. John's Church, Seattle, Wash. / Albertson, Wilson, Richardson, Architects / Gladding McBean, Contractors, Seattle, Wash.
Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1106-AL1 visible at bottom.
The repousse reliquary at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church is attributed to John W. Elliott. The reliquary featured motifs associated with the saint including Celtic rings, clovers, and symbols of the Church.
Designed by John Maloney, 1927. John W. Elliott worked with Gladding-McBean & Company to cast the religious relief sculptures of the four gospels (St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John), St. Paul, and Jesus Christ.
Shown with Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 2-1105-AG3.
Shown with Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 4-1105-AG5.
Shown with Gladding-McBean & Company ruler and identification number 1-1106-AG6.
Also pictured in Gladding-McBean & Company 1-1106-AG5.
Also pictured in Gladding-McBean & Company 1-1106-AG6.
Also pictured in Gladding-McBean & Company 1-1106-AG6.
The Trinity Lutheran Church was designed by Oliver Olson and constructed in 1951. John W. Elliott contributed a set of three bas-relief panels depicting the crucifixion, nativity, and ascension mounted above the entrance to the church.
John W. Elliot's signature visible in lower right corner of panel.
John W. Elliot's signature visible in lower right corner of panel.
John W. Elliot's signature visible in lower right corner of panel.
Repousse sterling silver altar set designed and executed by John W. Elliott for St. Margaret's Chapel in 1943. The altar set contained two chalices, a cross, and two candlesticks. The cross displays symbols of the twelve apostles and the four evangelists on the base. Inscribed on back of cross: This set was presented to St. Margaret's Chapel to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Harry Lee Timm by his wife Margaret Elliott Timm, July 12, 1943.
Plan of base and detail drawing of engraved ornamentation.
Typewritten document describing the altar set and providing a transcription of the text on the cross.
John W. Elliott executed the design for the cross given to the YWCA chapel by Bishop Bayne, Bishop of Olympia, 1947-1959.
Digital print of a Christmas greeting card from Durham, Anderson & Freed with illustration of the cross given to the YWCA.
Inside of card is written: Our design for this cross was executed by John W. Elliott and given to the Chapel of the downtown YWCA by the Rt. Rev. Stephen F. Bayne, Bishop of Olympia.
Opposite page: We are grateful for the oportunities given us for creative design during this year. We hope the Christmas Season will bring you happiness now and throughout the New Year. Edward R. O'Neil, Richard Peterson, A. E. Chase, Robert A. Eckert, H. Leed Carmean, Kenneth M. Piper, Jerry R. Geyer, Robert E. Fansler, Lloyd L. Black, Robert Overstreet, Frederick Farmer, Virginia Hansen, Robert L. Durham, David R. Anderson, Aaron Freed.