Samuel Yellin (1884-1940) for the J. Walter Thompson Company
gate and transom
New York, New York, 1927-1938
wrought iron
unsigned
37"w x 5"d x 101 1/2"h

Catalog Note:
Samuel Yellin was commissioned by Helen Lansdowne Resor, famous advertising copywriter and executive, to create grillwork for the executive wing of J. Walter Thompson's new offices in the Graybar Building at 420 Lexington Avenue in New York City. This elaborate gate and transom were subsequently installed.

Period photo of this gate design in the executive offices

In overall excellent condition. The number "15" is stamped on the top edge of the bar supporting the lock.

Biography:
In 1884, Samuel Yellin was born into a Jewish family in Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. He apprenticed as an ironsmith from age 11 to 16. Soon he immigrated to America and settled in Philadelphia with his family. In 1906, Yellin began studying at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art. So adept was Yellin that he would progress to teaching classes at the school months later. In 1909, Yellin opened a metalsmith shop, which went from fledgling to highly accomplished in no time. When Philadelphia experienced a building boom in the 1920s, Yellin had well over 200 skilled workers, including many European artisans, available to take on projects. Yellin had a unique ability to respect tradition and encourage innovation. After Yellin died in 1940, his son Harvey kept the shop open for several years. During his life, Yellin was honored by the Art Institute of Chicago, the American Institute of Architects, and other bodies for his design excellence.