As with the forces of nature that inspired him, architect Louis H. Sullivan's work is about all parts relating to the whole. Salvage of decorative elements from his buildings elevators was erratic, with little consideration given to preserving entire assemblies to represent Sullivan's all-inclusive design concept. Some of the most sought-after elements come from the Chicago Stock Exchange Building, a significant Adler & Sullivan skyscraper completed in 1894 and tragically demolished after a heated preservation battle in 1972. Ornamental items from the building are notable for their delicate, fluid, openwork metal and the way that they combine natural and geometric forms.

All elements were manufactured to Sullivan's custom designs by the Winslow Brothers Company in Chicago. Winslow Brothers was Sullivan's longtime preferred fabricator for his ornamental metalwork, based on their ability to create art-grade elements in the mass production necessary for large-scale architectural projects.