Fool the Reader?
Lynn Simross’ article on the trompe l’oeil technique on the Subway Terminal Building was most interesting (“Seeing Is Believing--But Not at This Site,” March 31). It is a great building and David Hart is a great owner who really loves his building and has done a tremendous job in rehabilitating it.
However, the statement that it is the only example on trompe l’oeil in Los Angeles is one that is not true, unless the use of Los Angeles is literal.
There is at least one example that has existed since 1961 when what was then the Perpetual Savings Building (now Home Federal) was completed. Edward Durrell Stone, the architect, designed the building with a series of graceful arches on every floor. On three sides of the building, the arches are an integral part of the building but on the west side, due to seismic considerations, the arches are painted black the full height of the building.
When Jones Lang Wootten, the managers of the building, rehabilitated it two years ago for new owners, the painted arches were retained.
True, the building is in Beverly Hills, but I believe in a sweeping statement Los Angeles includes its suburbs.
RALPH JACKSON
Los Angeles
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