The Passing of a Distinguished Architect and Collector of Nautical Memorabilia


This week, I received two sad e-mails regarding the passing of two gentlemen connected to the Andrea Doria. This post is about one of them: notable architect Der Scutt. The next blog will be dedicated to a rescuer and friend of the greatest sea rescue

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It was on July 23, 2006 that I met a very tall, distinguished looking gentleman. The occasion was the 50th anniversary survivors’ reunion on the campus of the US Merchant Marine Academy on Long Island. I was introduced to Der Scutt and was told that he was a board member of the South Street Seaport Museum. He was going to be accepting one of the two bronze medallions sculpted by Daniel Oberti, who had been commissioned by the survivors of the Andrea Doria. The other medallion, also a tribute to the valor and courage displayed during the tragic event, would be accepted by Italian Consul General of New York, Mr. Bandini.
Not until recently, did I discover a more complete biography of Der Scutt. Fellow survivor, Jerome Reinert sent me a link to Wikipedia, which I read with fascination. I wish I would have known all of this three and a half years ago; I would have congratulated Mr. Scutt for his contribution to New York City’s architecture, and for his unique collection of nautical memorabilia. Nevertheless, I am grateful that the beautiful bronze medallion was placed in the hands of a great man.
From Wikipedia:
Der Scutt (born 1934-2010) was an architect, designer of major buildings throughout New York City and the United States.
His best known is Trump Tower[1] next to Tiffany and Co. on Fifth Avenue, New York, developed by Donald J. Trump. Other major buildings include One Astor Plaza, 520 Madison Avenue, Continental Insurance Corporation Headquarters in New York City, and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company Headquarters in Milwaukee. He was the Design Consultant for the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
Nautical Memorabilia and Associations
In 1989, Scutt bought his first ship model at a flea market and has amassed one of the most unusual private nautical collections in the world. His collection spans four centuries, including ocean liners, warships, commercial ships, sailing ships, and paddle steamers. The models come from all over the world. Articles on his collection of over six hundred models have appeared in The New York Times, The Journal of Commerce, Town & Country, Nautical Collector, and other publications. In 2001 the South Street Seaport Museum acquired the Der Scutt Collection of Ocean Liner models and memorabilia.
Mr. Scutt was a trustee of the South Street Seaport Museum from 1992 to 2006; he is now a trustee of the South Street Seaport Museum Foundation. He was formerly a trustee of the Ocean Liner Museum of New York, the Maritime Industry Museum and the National Maritime Historical Society.

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