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Kirtland Cutter: Architect in the Land of Promise

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Almost everyone in Spokane recognizes the name of the architect Kirtland Cutter, who has been dead now for 65 years. Spokane considers Cutter to be theirs, but his work and influence go far beyond the Inland Northwest. For those people who say the TV-movie "Rose Red" a couple of years ago ---- yes, the house is real, not a stage set. It is mansion called Thornewood located in Tacoma, and was designed by Cutter. Over an almost 50-year career, Cutter designed homes, public buildings & even bridges throughout the Pacific Northwest and down the coast of California, in a dazzling array of styles. Yet, studies of his work have been sporadic at best, and the study of the man himself almost non-existent.

Henry Matthews has corrected all of this, with a biography and study of Cutter that is as close to comprehensive as you are bound to get after all of these years. Matthews is a good writer and is able to explain architectural minutiae in a manner that will not leave laypeople confused or bored. His 14 years of research on the subject have allowed him to compile a good list of all the Cutter projects (including houses and buildings no longer standing), including addresses. If you were to believe every claim found in the Spokane classified ads, there must be about 20,000 "Cutter homes" in Spokane. Being able to state that your for-sale house is a "Cutter home" adds a certain amount of cachet (not to mention a little extra value) to your home, so a lot of homeowners will claim a dubious Cutter pedigree. This book will let you know, by and large, just what of Cutter's work remains standing.

If you are an enthusiast of Pacific Northwest history, this book comes highly recommended.

Kirtland K. Cutter's work documents the development of the Spanish/Colonial/Mediterranean Revival in the Pacific Northwest and California. Matthews 14 year research and his considerable knowledge of the history of architecture worldwide, makes this book a fine contribution to the cultural influences and use of their finest adaptations,to life in the United States.

This tribute to the great Northwest architect Kirtland Kelsey Cutter brings his time and architecture to life. Although his name is well known, the vastness of his work is not. I think you'll be suprised, as I was at just how much Cutter contributed, not only to Spokane, but around the country and the world!