Alexander J. Davis
1803-1892
American
(New York, New York)
America’s greatest architect of the mid-19th century, a designer of picturesque buildings in myriad styles, Alexander J. Davis was born in New York City on July 24, 1803. The son of a relatively poor bookseller and publisher of religious tracts who moved around the Northeast in search of a market for his works, Davis grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and then the rapidly growing towns of Utica and Auburn in central New York State. Just before he turned fifteen years old, he was sent to Alexandria, Virginia, to learn the printing trade in a half-brother’s newspaper office. Bored by the work, Davis spent much of his time reading romantic novels and acting in amateur theatricals, for which he may have also designed the stage sets.
When his apprenticeship was completed in 1823, he returned to New York City, having decided to become an artist. Davis studied at the American Academy of the Fine Arts, the New-York Drawing Association, and the Antique School of the National Academy of Design. Rapidly learning the skills of an architectural illustrator, his work was printed by many prominent publishers.
In 1826, Davis went to work for Ithiel Town and Martin E. Thompson. In 1829, Town made Davis a partner. Working with Town gave Davis, at age twenty-six, extraordinary opportunities. It brought him to the cutting edge of American architecture—Town was an innovative leader in the Greek Revival style, as well as a respected engineer and expert in bridge construction. During the 1840s and 1850s, Davis was America’s leading architect of country houses in a variety of picturesque styles, the most popular among them being Gothic Revival and Italianate. Over 100 of his designs for villas and cottages were built.
