Davis, Alexander Jackson, 1803-1892

Alexander Jackson Davis (1803-1892), the American architect, started working as a draftsman for Josiah C. Brady and Ithiel Town in New York City. He became Town's partner in 1829 and they collaborated on public structures, including the New York Customs House (1832) and various state capitols. When Davis went into business on his own, he continued to design public buildings but concentrated on designs for large country and suburban houses. Collection consists of the papers of Alexander Jackson Davis and his son Joseph Beale Davis. A.J. Davis papers contain correspondence, accounts, legal papers, lectures, writings, architectural specifications, drawings and engravings, diary, scrapbooks, catalog of his library, and miscellaneous materials. Bulk of the correspondence consists of letters, 1829-1890, to Davis concerning architectural projects and other business and personal matters. Writings and notes of Davis include diary, 1827-1853, and lectures with related materials. Scrapbooks contain engravings and woodcuts from books, drawings and watercolors of architectural details by Davis, and clippings. Also, architectural specifications, drawings and engravings for his designs. J.B. Davis papers include correspondence, mostly letters, 1895-1937, to Davis; materials related to the Davis and Beale families; biographical notes; and other materials, such as photographs, engravings and clippings.

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