In a city renowned for its historical treasures, the Thomas Hockley House stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of Frank Furness. The Thomas Hockley House, completed in 1875, is not your typical Victorian home. It’s a unique blend of Victorian aesthetics with Furness’s signature bold and unconventional style.
The Thomas Hockley House was designed for Furness’s close friend and fellow Civil War veteran, Thomas Hockley. Hockley, an early admirer of Furness’s work, commissioned this home, solidifying their bond. Located in the elegant Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the house is part of the Walnut–Chancellor Historic District, a testament to Philadelphia’s rich past.
Take a moment to appreciate the exterior. The house’s polychromatic palette of dark brownstone, warm brick red, cool gray granite, and deep gray slate creates a striking visual contrast. Notice the black accents in the belt courses and cornice that add an extra layer of depth. The entrance porch, carved out of the house’s southeast corner, is a masterpiece in itself. Two captivating Moorish arches, set at right angles, greet you with an air of exotic charm. They rest upon compressed columns, each adorned with a brownstone bas-relief of an abstract sunflower, a motif that speaks to Furness’s fascination with nature. Look closely and you’ll find another abstract sunflower carved into the tympanum over the box window, a testament to Furness’s meticulous attention to detail.
The Thomas Hockley House’s design echoes another of Furness’s masterpieces – the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Both structures share striking similarities in their materials, detailing, and overall aesthetic. The use of Moorish arches, a slate mansard roof, a brownstone base, polychromatic patterned brick, and abstract botanical reliefs create a visual dialogue between the two buildings. Interestingly, the Hockley House served as a source of inspiration for other architects, including William Le Baron Jenney, who designed the Hervey Bates mansion in Indianapolis. After Hockley’s passing in 1892, the house was purchased by Mrs. Albonia Whartenby. She, too, recognized the architectural brilliance of Furness and commissioned Furness, Evans & Company in 1894 to renovate the interiors and add a rear addition.