Background
Harrison, Peter was born on June 14, 1716 in York, England. Son of Thomas Junior and Elizabeth (Denison) Harrison.
Harrison, Peter was born on June 14, 1716 in York, England. Son of Thomas Junior and Elizabeth (Denison) Harrison.
These private studio-schools drew from the works of the masters such as Palladio and Vitruvius. lieutenant 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. His known works in the British-American colonies are considered, however, to be of the highest quality and the finest examples of Palladianism of his time.
Many buildings are attributed to Peter Harrison, but there are only a few that are solidly documented as being his creations. These buildings are: the Redwood Library (1747-1749), the Brick Market Building (1762-1772) and the Touro Synagogue (1759) in Newport, Rhode Island and the King"s Chapel (1749) in Boston, Massachusetts as well as Christ Church, Cambridge (1759-1760).
Just after his death in 1775, his home in New Haven, Connecticut, was attacked by a mob of revolutionaries who burned his library and all of his original drawings.
This act of political violence destroyed the collection of one of the most erudite architects of the colonial period and did not allow for a catalogue of his designs to be created for posterity. Peter Harrison died in New Haven, Connecticut in 1775 and is buried in an unmarked grave at the New Haven Green.
Peter Harrison"s unwavering dedication to Toryism and England brought ruin upon him during the turbulent years of the American Revolution.
Married Elizabeth Pelham, June 6, 1746, 4 children.