Alexander Jackson Davis collection

Collection

Identifier: D.387

Staff Only

Biographical/Historical note

Alexander Jackson Davis (1803-1892) was a notable 19th century American architect, designer and illustrator. Davis was born July 24, 1803, in New York City. Early in his architectural career (1829-1835), Davis partnered with architect and engineer Ithiel Town. In 1839, Davis began a collaboration with architectural theorist A. J. Downing. Davis designed and drew illustrations for Downing's books Cottage Residences (1842), The Architecture of Country Houses (1850), and his journal, The Horticulturist, all of which were instrumental in popularizing the ideas and styles of the picturesque in America.

During the 1840s and 1850s, Davis was America's leading architect of country houses in a variety of picturesque styles. In the late 1850s, Davis worked with his friend, businessman Llewellyn S. Haskell to create Llewellyn Park in West Orange, New Jersey, one of the earliest planned suburbs in America. Following the Civil War, America's architectural tastes changed and Davis' influence waned. He died in West Orange, New Jersey on January 14, 1892.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of the specifications and architectural plans, elevations and sections for a house designed by A. J. Davis for J. G. Lamberson in Jamaica, Long Island, New York in 1854.

There are 11 sheets of printed specifications with manuscript entries throughout and 9 original architectural drawings. Accompanying these materials is a related article from the University of Rochester Library Bulletin, Vol. VIII, No. 1, Autumn 1952 by Marian Card.

Creator

Davis, Alexander Jackson, 1803-1892 (Person)

Dates

Creation: 1854

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 item(s)

Access

The Alexander Jackson Davis Collection is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Elizabeth Holahan, 1952.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Alexander Jackson Davis Collection, D.387, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester