Lecture – Rambusch: The First 100 Years, 1898–1998
About the Event
Labor, Literature and Landmark Lecture Series – Spring 2025
Rambusch: The First 100 Years, 1898–1998
The Story of An Extraordinary Company Specializing in the Decorative Arts and Interior Architecture
With Viggo Rambusch, CEO Emeritus of the Rambusch Company and Edwin Rambusch, Co-Owner, President & CEO of the Rambusch Company
Presented in Partnership with The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York
Tuesday, May 6th at 6.00 P.M.
An In-Person and Online Program
In-person Registration
The in-person program will be followed by a book- signing and a reception
This talk is based on the fascinating new book, Rambusch: The First 100 Years, 1898–1998, written by Catha Jackson Grace. During this program, Viggo Rambusch, CEO Emeritus, will describe the history of the family company with his son Edwin Rambusch, Co-Owner of Rambusch. The book chronicles the growth of an independent, workshop-based, family business, specializing in the decorative arts and interior architecture, now being run by a fourth generation.
Founded in 1898 by Danish immigrant Frode, Christian Rambusch, the firm began with decorative painting and murals. Viggo and Edwin Rambusch will detail the company’s evolution from decorative arts to a full-service firm specializing in interior architecture through lighting, liturgical furnishings, stained glass, mosaic and restoration. They will also provide a focus on some of the artisans responsible for making the acclaimed objects and interiors that define Rambusch interiors.
The two speakers will discuss highlights of Rambusch Company’s extensive work outlined in the book, including projects like the 1939 World’s Fair, specialized wartime efforts, churches, theatres, public spaces, and significant landmarks such as Trinity Church Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty Torch, the Empire State Building, and the NY Stock Exchange. They will also briefly outline some current and future projects.
Few American firms have flourished as this company has in the United States. Now in the twenty-first century, the firm inspires similar collaborative efforts between architects, designers, artisans and craft studios to work together for the decorative arts to regain their place in the finishing of the nation’s buildings.
Celebrating its 127th year in business, the Rambusch Company continues to maintain its reputation for excellence with notable projects throughout its history.
General Admission: $15; General Society Members, New York Landmarks Conservancy Members and Senior Citizens: $10; Students: $5
Advance Registration required.
The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street
www. generalsociety.org
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