Richmond VA Mansion, 20th Century Architecture Snapshot

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a notable mansion in Richmond, Virginia, located in Henrico County. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an important collection documenting the architectural heritage of the region. The mansion, designed by architect William L. Bottomley, features elaborate driveways and gates, showcasing the grandeur of early 20th-century southern architecture.

The photograph reflects the historical context of Richmond, a city rich in history and culture. Johnstons work is significant for its contribution to the understanding of architectural styles and residential life during that period. The image provides insight into the aesthetic choices that characterized the design of mansions in Virginia, emphasizing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined the architecture of the time.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this piece remains an important visual record of American history, illustrating the elegance and sophistication of Richmond’s residential architecture.