Studio Building (Boston, Massachusetts)

[6] From 1861 the Studio Building stood adjacent to the Horticultural Hall, on the opposite side of Bromfield St.[4] The building consisted of "a massive range of brick, four stories high, — the whole surmounted by a French roof; a handsome and imposing structure, in the lower story of which are six fine large stores, occupied [in 1869] by the Leavitt and Parker Sewing-Machine Cos., California Wine Agency, the Howard Clock Co., &c.; and, above-stairs, by numerous artists, painters, engravers, draughtsmen, &c."[7] "The Studio Building ... is a perfect hive of artists.

Besides the devotees of art, there are many private teachers of music and the languages in the Studio Building, and not a few of the rooms are occupied as bachelors' apartments.

"[9] Beginning in November 1861, artist William Rimmer gave anatomy "lectures in Room 55 of the Studio Building.

He was an inspiring teacher; John LaFarge ... Daniel Chester French, Frederick Vinton, Frank Benson and many others testified to it.

His figures sprouted wings, were set off by elegant draperies, sat beside elaborate urns, were clad in fanciful armor, brandished trumpets and daggers.

"[12] According to one historian, however, Hunt himself probably found Boston "a far cry from the carefree vie de Boheme of Paris, and the life centering around the Studio Building on Tremont Street but a pale replica of the Latin Quarter -like a plaster cast, almost like a death mask, one might say, of the lively original.

... For a brief period K. L. Davenport and J. W. Wallack were managers of the house, but notwithstanding the high character of the dramatic work done here, it was not a prosperous theatre.

"[14] Performances included: In December 1906 a fire "caused heavy damage in the block bounded by Tremont, Bromfield, Washington and Winter streets.