At A Glance

• In memory of Dr. J. William White, founding member of the Rittenhouse Square Improvement Association

• Installed on the reverse side of the Rittenhouse Square fountain, designed by Paul Phillipe Cret

• The Rittenhouse Square Improvement Association engaged architect Paul Phillipe Cret to redesign Rittenhouse Square in 1913

• Artist R. Tait McKenzie was the first Physical Education Professor of the University of Pennsylvania

Installed on the reverse side of the Rittenhouse Square fountain (designed by Paul Phillipe Cret) is R. Tait McKenzie’s bronze relief Dr. J. William White Memorial, commissioned by the Flower Market Association of the Rittenhouse Square Improvement Association (RSIA). Dr. J. William White was a founding member of the RSIA, which had engaged architect Paul Phillipe Cret, one of the designers of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, to redesign Rittenhouse Square in 1913.

Born in Mississippi Mills, Canada, artist R. Tait McKenzie was the first Physical Education Professor (1904-1929) of the University of Pennsylvania. Although McKenzie was a physician, physical therapist, and physical educator, he was best known for his work as a sculptor.  In addition to his memorial to Dr. J. William White, he completed Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin in 1723 (or The Young Franklin) in 1914. More information about R. Tait McKenzie can be found here.

This artwork is part of the Around Rittenhouse Square tour