Section of a frieze

Designer: George Grant Elmslie

1916

Polychromed glazed terra-cotta

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A polychromed glazed terra-cotta frieze section features a repeating pattern of stylized floral and geometric motifs in red, white, yellow, and blue. These decorative terra-cotta tiles for the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Hector, Minnesota were designed by George Grant Elmslie in his own style of organic ornamentation, developed during twenty years as Louis Sullivan's chief draftsman. Stylized plant forms combined with geometric patterns, repeated throughout the facade, separate the brick lower level from the light stucco second story. This section was removed in 1970 when the bank was remodeled. Gallery G300 Gift of The Security State Bank, Hector Minnesota, through the auspices of Mr. David Spreiter