Rafael Guastavino stands on recently laid tile arch along Boylston Street, construction of the McKim Building

Stevens, Edward F. (Edward Fletcher), 1860-1946 · April 8, 1889

Guastavino was an immigrant from Spain who brought with him a technique of constructing tile vaults and arches that were incredibly strong, relatively light, and resistant to damage and breach by fire. The Guastavino fire proof vaults were used extensively throughout the McKim Building. Photo No. 55 by Edward Stevens, Clerk of Works.