Phoebe Apperson Hearst and the changing nature of 19th century architectural patronag

More than the buildings left behind, Phoebe Apperson Hearst's experiences as a patron of the University of California and the YWCA illuminate a critical shift in the nature of architectural patronage at the turn of the 19 th century. Prior to this period, individual patrons exercised considerable authority in the realm of public architecture, authority that served to fulfill their personal goals while benefiting their chosen recipients. The late 19 th century rise in industry and corporate culture, however, brought with it increasingly complex charitable institutions, philanthropic entities, clients groups, and professional businesses. This, in turn, forced individual patrons to learn to share authority in the context of these new unfamiliar bureaucracies.;While Hearst, as an individual patron, managed to manipulate her actions to accomplish much of her private agenda, certain conditions existed outside of her control that greatly affected the projects she sponsored. One such condition was the establishment of architecture as a profession, which changed both Hearst's actions within and her expectations of the patron/architect relationship. Gender played a critical role in establishing all social relationships during this period, and hence also shaped Hearst's architectural projects along with their public reception. In addition to illuminating nineteenth century patronage, this case study clearly posits Hearst as a critical force in producing public architecture and influencing style. In this, Hearst's story acts as a Feminist critique of modern architectural history, which to date has principally served to promote the autonomy of professionals and a singular, progressive view of aesthetics.