The pre-World War One architectural lettering exaples in Bucharest are relatively rare, with the one presented here adorning the ticket counter of the Iolanda Balas Stadium in the Kisseleff area of the city, itself one of the very few surviving sporting facilities from that era. The entrance to the stadium, seen in the third photograph bellow, contains well design neoclassical features and quite minimalist in its ornamental aspects, contrasting with the rich decorative architectural fashions of that era. According to a plaque affixed to the entrance wall, the stadium has been built in 1915 (a year of peace for Romania, which entered the Great War only one year later). I like the well balanced design of these letter and the discrete serifs which smooth their aspect and make their reading more cursive, reminding of the Victorian age newspaper headlines.
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I endeavour through this daily series of articles to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural history and heritage.
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If you plan acquiring or selling a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in sourcing and transacting the property, specialist research, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 