Hildreth Meière Documentary Series - Watch Trailer 

August 12, 2024

Hildreth Meière’s Marble Mosaic Floor Brings Grand Vibes for 1960s Baltimore Depiction of “Lady in the Lake” on Apple TV

written by International Hildreth Meière Association

Seated figures representing Baltimore Industry on banking hall floor

Seated figures representing Baltimore Industry on banking hall floor

The intersection of art and film can create stunning visuals, and the production of "Lady in the Lake" brilliantly showcases this fusion. The use of Hildreth Meière's historic marble mosaic floor in episode 1 lends a unique layer of elegance and historical depth to the production.

Hildreth Meière's Artistic Legacy

Hildreth Meière (1892-1961) was a renowned American artist whose work in mosaics, murals, and stained glass influenced 20th-century American art. Her mosaics, known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, adorn the interior of prestigious, architecturally significant buildings like the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska, One Wall Street in New York City, and 10 Light Street in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Historic Bank Connection

One of the production's challenges for “Lady in the Lake” was finding an appropriate location that could serve as a 1960s department store with authentic period aesthetics. The production team’s breakthrough came through a serendipitous connection. While dining with friends in Baltimore, production designer JC Molina learned about a historic bank building, now a gym owned by Under Armour (with the rest of the commercial space in the building converted to residential apartments). The original marble mosaic floor for the bank (The Baltimore Trust Company) had been preserved safely under the gym's carpeting.

The building, now known as 10 Light Street, was initially completed in December 1929 and was once the tallest building in Baltimore, predating both the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The original banking hall floor, designed by Meière, was uncovered and used in the film, adding authenticity and depth to the set.

Marble Mosaic in "Lady in the Lake"

Hildreth Meière was commissioned by the architectural firms Taylor & Fisher and Smith & May to design the marble mosaic floor for the Baltimore Trust Company Building. Her intricate design was brought to life and installed by skilled craftsmen De Paoli, del Turco, and Foscato (De Paoli were the same craftsmen for the Nebraska State Capitol marble floors that Meière designed). In the 1920s, it was common for banks to desire an interior decorative program that was rich in narrative elements, and Meière's work encapsulated this trend.

Meière's design for the banking hall floor includes seven square inlaid marble panels, four of which feature figurative designs in marble mosaic. The central panel, titled "Baltimore Industry," depicts a globe surrounded by four neoclassical, seated figures representing Vision, Courage, Industry, and Cooperation. These virtues echo Meière's earlier work at the Nebraska State Capitol, where she depicted similar themes.

Additional panels on the Baltimore floor feature Art Deco-style female figures representing Baltimore Airport, the Rail Center, and the Harbor. These marble mosaics offer a modern twist on neoclassical style, highlighting Meière's adaptability and innovative approach to architectural design.

While the marble floor is now covered again under protective carpet, the “Clipper Ship” scene is visible just before you enter the main part of the Under Armour Gym.

The banking hall, including Meière’s marble mosaic floor, is transformed in "Lady in the Lake" into the 1960s “Hecht’s” department store. Viewable in episode 1, Hecht’s is a pivotal location for the two female protagonists played by Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram. By using this historic banking room with Meière's mosaic-designed floor, the film's visual storytelling is enhanced with its historical significance and craftsmanship. This mosaic is a testament to Meière's ability to blend art with architecture, creating designs that stand the test of time.

A Tribute to Artistic Heritage

Integrating Meière's mosaic in "Lady in the Lake" is a tribute to her enduring legacy. It introduces her work to a new audience, allowing viewers to appreciate the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of her designs. This blend of historical art and contemporary cinema underscores Meière's influence and reaffirms her place in American art history.

To learn more about Hildreth’s work, see more commissions, or learn how to partner with the International Hildreth Meière Association (IHMA) visit hildrethmeiere.org

Top Image - Lady in the Lake Set at 10 Light Street as department storeImage Courtesy of Karuna Karmarkar, Set Design, Lady in the Lake

Top Image - Lady in the Lake Set at 10 Light Street as department store
Image Courtesy of Karuna Karmarkar, Set Design, Lady in the Lake

Seated figures representing Baltimore Industry on banking hall floor

Baltimore Industry

Banking hall floor

Banking hall floor

Baltimore Airport

Baltimore Airport

Baltimore Harbor

Baltimore Harbor

Baltimore Rail Center

Baltimore Rail Center

Clipper ship on floor inside 10 Light Street entrance

Clipper ship on floor inside 10 Light Street entrance

References:

https://www.hildrethmeiere.org/commissions/baltimore-trust-company

https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/lady-in-the-lake-production-design-60s-baltimore-interview-1235027195/

https://www.bctdesigngroup.com/projects/10-light