Photograph representing Whales. “Whales” is the archive’s nickname for Lawrie’s vast, multi-year commissions, each made up of scores of sculptural elements. His work for the Nebraska State Capitol, for example, began with drawings and planning as early as 1920, took until 1934 to complete, and ultimately involved literal tons of sculpture.

The archive

Whales

“Whales” is the archive’s nickname for Lawrie’s vast, multi-year commissions, each made up of scores of sculptural elements. His work for the Nebraska State Capitol, for example, began with drawings and planning as early as 1920, took until 1934 to complete, and ultimately involved literal tons of sculpture.

Photograph of Nebraska State Capitol. Lee Lawrie’s largest commission: a vast sculptural programme integrated into Bertram Goodhue’s Nebraska State Capitol.Civic

Nebraska State Capitol

Lee Lawrie’s largest commission: a vast sculptural programme integrated into Bertram Goodhue’s Nebraska State Capitol.

Photograph of Los Angeles Central Public Library. A rich visual programme for one of Los Angeles’s most distinctive public buildings.Civic

Los Angeles Central Public Library

A rich visual programme for one of Los Angeles’s most distinctive public buildings.

Photograph of National Academy of Sciences. Exterior figures and interior details made for Bertram Goodhue’s Washington landmark.Civic

National Academy of Sciences

Exterior figures and interior details made for Bertram Goodhue’s Washington landmark.

Photograph of The John Adams Building of the Library of Congress. Owls, acanthus ornament and richly detailed Art Deco interiors created for the Library of Congress.Civic

The John Adams Building of the Library of Congress

Owls, acanthus ornament and richly detailed Art Deco interiors created for the Library of Congress.