Background
Peter Harrison was born in 1716 Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom.
Peter Harrison was born in 1716 Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom.
His first building in Newport was the Redwood Library, and after its erection during the winter of 1747-48, he was invited to Boston by a congregation that commissioned him to design a church to replace a wooden building of 1689 His plans were accepted, and King’s Chapel at the corner of School and Tremont Streets was completed in 1754, today one of the city's most venerable tne present portico was added in 1789. In nearby Cambridge Christ Church was built in 1761 from Mr. Harrison's plans, the oldest building in the city, noted for its rich Georgian interior, incidentally the only structure on which he received a greater fee than a vote of thanks or a piece of plate.
In addition to the Redwood Library in Newport his works include the three- story Brick Market (formerly public granary), dating from 1761, and the Jewish Synagogue on Touro Street, 1762 (both extant). Also ascribed to him are two residences, the mansion-type Nichols-Wanton-Hunter house at 54 Washington Street and the Vernon house at the corner of Clark and Mary Streets. While the Influence of Wrenn or Gibbs may be seen in some of Mr. Harrison's work, he was not a copyist, and his adaptations of the Classic style were distinguished by simplicity, accuracy of detail and sound structural properties.
His early marriage in Newport to Elizabeth Pelham brought him wealth, he was successful in business, and achieved wide recognition in his architectural work. In 1762 he was appointed Collector of Customs at New Haven, and during the decade he held that position, exercised much authority. His latter years however were not happy, actually tragic. Due to his Tory politics and associates, New England patriots turned against him and in 1772 burned his home, library and all his drawings. Not till many years after the Revolution was the merit of his work recognized.