From “Drexel College: An Architectural Historic previous of The primary Constructing 1891–1991”: “The north facet of The good Courtroom earlier than the A.J. Drexel Memorial was positioned on the touchdown of the grand staircase in 1905. The distinctive buff and deep purple ornamental stenciling of the vault are evident. (Drexel College Archives.)”

“[Main Constructing] was a direct reflection of the intentions of its founder, Anthony J. Drexel (1826–1893). In distinction to most American schools, whose Gothic-detailed buildings on inexperienced lawns, framed by historic timber, recalled the origins Of schools in English spiritual communities, this was squarely located on an metropolis nook, two blocks from the strains of the Pennsylvania Railroad and adjoining to the Allison Automotive Works. The building’s design was completely different as properly; its partitions have been of a bproper buff brick and terra cotta with ornament derived from basical sources, although following no particular European prototype,” Thomas wrote of Main Constructing’s location and exterior look.

Infacet, The primary Constructing’s Great Courtroom was — and continues to be — simply as grand.

“Past the good portal [from the Chestnut Road entrance] a richly ornamented columned entrance hall opened, not into customary darkish, slender halls, however into An monumental mild-crammed, multi-story arcaded space, Just like the courtyard of an Italian palazzo, however roofed over by an expansive leaded glass skymild from The center of which hung a splendid chandelier. This good room was mild in tone, accented with marble and terra cotta trim Inside the gentle buff tints of The outfacet, with basic purple painted palmettes and borders Inside the cove of the ceiling,” wrote Thomas.

Source: https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2022/February/a-new-old-look-for-main-building-ceiling