Peter Harrison

Architect, born in York, North Yorkshire, N England, UK. Settling in Newport, RI (1740), he introduced Palladianism to New England in public buildings designed for Newport, Boston, and Cambridge (1748–61), and assembled the colonies' most important private architectural library.

Peter Harrison (1716-1775) was born in York, England and emigrated to Rhode Island in 1740. Peter Harrison and his brother came to the American colonies and established themselves as merchants and captains of their own vessels. Peter Harrison returned to England between the years of 1743-45 and received his formal training as an architect under the direction of one of the English Lords who had dedicated themselves to the training of architects through private studio-schools using pattern books, grand tours of Italy and Greece and through applied skills, teaching their students to become expert draftsmen. It is un-known which of the English Lords allowed Mr. Harrison to join their private studio-school. Harrison's travels and education in Europe allowed him to accumulate a substantial library of books concerning Classically inspired forms as well as allowing him to see the latest designs that were produced by the Palladian movement.

Peter Harrison is credited as being the first professionally trained architect in America. Many buildings are attributed to Peter Harrison, but there are only a few that are solidly documented as being his creations.

Peter Harrison's unwavering dedication to Toryism and England brought ruin upon him during the turbulent years of the American Revolution.

Peter Harrison died in New Haven, Connecticut in 1775 and is buried in an un-marked grave at the Green.

from a Digital Archive of American Architecture