Art Fraud?

[Frank Giordano]

A query I posted here several weeks ago, concerning the identifying of a second architect as co-designer when his or her work was significant in designing a course, led to an article in Adam Lawrence's English publication, Golf Course Architecture.  A number of contributors here replied to my thread, and their ideas were helpful in getting my argument shaped, seeded, rolled and mown.  Thanks to all.  The article is on pages 34-39 in the current (July) issue of the magazine.  As the course I considered is Albatross at Le Golf National, where the Ryder Cup will be contested in September, honest treatment of Robert von Hagge and his team is not inconsequential.  Ignoring their work is what Adam chose to call "art fraud."

[Tom_Doak]

My only quibble with this whole thread is the question of why everyone waited twenty years to "correct the record".  Could the p.r. attention of hosting the Ryder Cup have something to do with the sudden interest in setting things straight?  If the facts are as presented, it would have been a better case had the discussion not occurred right after the course opened.  Twenty years later it is all a bit murkier, and that seems to suit all parties.


Also, if I understand correctly there have been a lot of revisions to the course since it opened, which obviously Von Hagge had nothing to do with.

[Thomas Dai]

I wouldn’t be surprised if ego, vanity, publicity and money were somehow involved. And particularly when $€£ is involved lots of things have a tendency to appear from old woodwork.
Atb

[Frank Giordano]

My only quibble with this whole thread is the question of why everyone waited twenty years to "correct the record".  Could the p.r. attention of hosting the Ryder Cup have something to do with the sudden interest in setting things straight?  If the facts are as presented, it would have been a better case had the discussion not occurred right after the course opened.  Twenty years later it is all a bit murkier, and that seems to suit all parties.]

Actually, I didn't wait 20 years, but only became interested when I read that Chesneau was recognized as the designer, and von Hagge wasn't mentioned at all.  For whatever reason, Robert von Hagge didn't have his role validated in written contract, and that was a mistake; but he pushed for recognition -- and was rebuffed -- up until his death.  He sought no more money and needed no more publicity in France, where his work was widely acknowledged with "Best of France" and "Best of Europe" awards.  Baril and Smelek weren't stirring the pot either, as both had given up von Hagge's crusade as a lost cause, when I reached out to them for an explanation.  I brought my question of the designer designation to them; none of us had any financial gains in mind.  In fact, in my original text to Adam, I concluded that it wouldn't cost the FFG a single franc to do the right thing and acknowledge Robert von Hagge and his team in all their subsequent publicity about the Cup and Albatross.

[Randy Thompson]

Does anyone have a link to the article? The problem has always been there, as the course has been rated highly in Europe since opening. I think Jim Shirley was construction manager during the project and would be a good source for further insight.

[Adam Lawrence]

[size=78%] [/size]
Here you go.


http://digital.tudor-rose.co.uk/golf-course-architecture/issue53/34/


Frank, I owe you a reply to your email. I'm not avoiding you, just snowed.


Adam

[Adam Lawrence]

Also, if I understand correctly there have been a lot of revisions to the course since it opened, which obviously Von Hagge had nothing to do with.

While that's true, neither did Chesneau -- it was European Golf Design. So it doesn't really have any bearing on this particular issue.

[Mike_Young]

So much of golf course design today is "cover bands". 
When a  guy with his on brand decides to take on a reworking of a course it is a totally different thing than a guy who has not done his own work. 
If a team builds a new project then it is like a band writing a new song.  If another band comes along down the road and covers that song it could go many different ways but if prominent musician covers it, it take son a different light. 
I like a lot of cover bands but I don't see them in the same light as the originators and I never will.

[Randy Thompson]

Well written Adam and thanks for posting. The similarities between The Woodlands and Buenos Aires Golf are abundant. I think other courses built by the VH and associates team during that time era also show a lot of similar design elements. The stance and the attitude of the French Federation in relation to this particular matter reflects my perception of the typical French mentality and the principal reason I choose to return to South America more then twenty years ago despite the excellent opportunities I was offered in the area.

[Frank Giordano]

In looking over this thread, Rick Baril offered some clarification about how contracts and designations worked in France at the time he and [/size][size=78%]Robert von Hagge met with, negotiated, then signed on to undertake the design of Albatross.  Rick and I both feel unwilling to pick at nits, but I pressed him to reply because the Ryder Cup is a big deal in the world of golf, and the just recognition of an architect's work on a course with such significance as Albatross is a struggle worth winning, even after 30 years of frustration.  Here is Rick's clarification of the terms he and [/size][/size][size=78%]Robert von Hagge agreed to and have insisted for way too long that the FFG honor in a straightforward way.[/size][/size]


And, it occurred to me – there is a point related to our Agreement with the FFG – which I didn’t explain well…  In our Agreement with the FFG, we are referred to as “consultant.”     When we work internationally – we do so without any “legal standing”.  I mean, we do not have an official affiliation or professional credentials  -- to actually perform work in other countries –- it is a gray area still today….  (In fact, we don’t have any professional credentials, to design golf courses, in the US either –-  there is no professional credential for “golf architect”.)  So, when we work abroad, particularly with a corporation or public entity, an official “architect of record” is required –- to “sign” the project and be legally responsible.  This can be an Architect, Engineer or any similar professional, who is “licensed or registered” to perform work and assume legal liability within the area (country or region) where the project is located.     In the case of the FFG, Hubert Chesneau was the “architect of record” – according to the legal requirement.  And, any official documents reflect this -- including our Agreement….  Perhaps this explains the point better…why we vHDA was [sic] referenced as “consultant” in the Agreement.   And, Robert did pushed for and get President Cartier’s verbal assurance, he would be provided Architectural credit for the design of Le Golf National….


It will be a happy day for the vonHagge team when the FFG does in fact receive "Architectural credit for the design of Le Golf National.  It will not cost the FFG and Le Golf National a single franc to do the right thing before the Ryder Cup is played, and in all subsequent official notices and documents  and publications from then on.

[Tags:]

Tags:

[Tags:]

Tags: