original salvaged chicago george grant elmslie-designed oliver p. morton school terra cotta panel with slip glaze

original late 1930's lower course band terra cotta panel, salvaged from the oliver morton school located in hammond, in. the chicago prairie style school was constructed during 1936-1937. the chicago-based architect george grant elmslie, a disciple of frank lloyd wright and louis h. sullivan and a master of prairie-style architecture, designed the building's terra cotta ornament alongside principal architect william hutton. the richly ornate terra cotta with a striking interplay between intricate organic leafage and geometric designs and/or shapes is comprised of natural clay with a beige slip glaze finish. fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta co. fritz albert was the clay modeler. the school was demolished in 1991. the single section measures 19 3/4 x 11 inches.