ANDREW JACKSON DOWNING (1815-1852)
Downing was a proponent of the new interest in the picturesque, which challenged and ultimately dominated the classicism of the Greek Revival. His designs featured Gothic and Italian villas appropriate for the emerging suburbs. His books also marked the first generation of the pattern book intended to instruct the client's taste as well as to serve the carpenter's needs. The growing middle class demanded higher levels of comfort, style, and efficiency that Downing addressed as much through discussion as visual example. He advocated for modem conveniences, such as indoor plumbing. By the 1840s house pattern books began to proliferate and would gradually subsume the builders' guides.
- Four New York State Residences, including that of Washington Irving, at lower right. Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening, adapted to North America: with a View to the Improvement of Country Residences ... with Remarks on Rural Architecture. 6th ed. New York: A.O. Moore & Co., 1859.
Drawing upon his training as a horticulturalist, Downing's first publication was the Treatise, in which he addressed the principles for achieving "the harmonious union of buildings and scenery." In the illustrations the house designs are placed in a natural, verdant landscape, for which Downing provided site plans and plant lists to guide the owner.
- "Design II. A cottage in the English, or Rural Gothic Style."Cottage Residences, or, A Series of Designs for Rural Cottages and Cottage Villas, and their Gardens and Grounds, adapted to North America. 1st ed. New York; London: Wiley & Putnam, 1842.
Downing published four editions of Cottage Residences, which were reprinted seven times up until 1868. The illustrations and text were intended to sensitize and elevate the homeowner's taste. He wanted "to inspire in the minds of my readers and country men more lively perceptions of the BEAUTIFUL, in everything that relates to our houses and grounds... I wish to inspire all persons with a love of beautiful forms and a desire to assemble them around their daily walks of life."
- "Design VIII. A Villa in the Italian Style." Cottage Residences, or, A Series of Designs for Rural Cottages and Cottage Villas, and their Gardens and Grounds, adapted to North America. 4th ed. New York: J. Wiley, 1856.
- "How to Build." Hints to Persons about Building in the Country. New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1847.
In this essay Downing advocated hiring a professional architect to avoid "a great deal of regret, disappointment, and perhaps pecuniary loss." To educate the client Downing offered practical suggestions on "Where to Build. What to Build. How to Build."