New York Custom House, 1837-1842
Collection context
- Creator:
- Frazee, John, 1790-1852
- Extent:
- 4 drawings
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The four drawings include: Frieze detail (Anthemion Band) : ink and graphite on paper (33 x 49 cm) ; Plan and elevation for the fly-doors at the entrances of the New Custom House, N.Y. : pen and ink on paper, signed (33 x 40 1/2 cm) ; Plan of the Basement of the New Customs House, New York : Ink, brown wash, green wash on paper mounted on linen (64 x 97 4/5 cm) ; Plan of the Flagging of the Principal Floor of New Custom House, N.Y. : Ink on paper mounted on linen (59 x 93 1/3 cm). Condition: The two larger drawings are heavily varnished and stained. A medium size portion of the "Plan and elevation for the fly-doors" has been cut.
- Biographical / historical:
-
John Frazee was a sculptor and architect from New York City. On July 22, 1835, Frazee was appointed "Architect and Superintendent" in the construction of the New York Custom House, taking over for Samuel Thomson who resigned from the position in April of that year. When Thomson resigned, he took with him all of the plans for the building, which were modified plans of the original design by Ithiel Town and Alexander Jackson Davis. Moreover, the foundation had been laid prior to Frazee's appointment, leaving Frazee to draw new plans based on the already completed construction.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
- Contact:
- avery-drawings@columbia.edu