According to The Sun, April 1, 1926, Maryland Colonial Revival architect Howard Sill was awarded the commission to design the new home of the BMA, with New York classical architect John Russell Pope as associate designer; it was specified that the lead architect be a Baltimorean. Shortly after his appointment, Sill became ill, leaving the full responsibility for the Museum's design to Pope. Howard Sill died on July 22, 1927, two months after the groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building. THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART: PROMISED GIFT OF MRS. BETSY SILL WOOD, BMA R.15795 (Exhibition label for: Architect John Russell Pope's Baltimore/Jacobs Wing/March 31st-August 1st, 2004)