How Did They Do That? People express wonder at how historic craftsmen and women created the gorgeous architectural features we still admire today. This lovely interior door at “Auburn” in Natchez, Mississippi, provides an example of the source materials often used by craftspeople during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in America.
The illustration is Plate XXVI from William Salmon’s “Palladio Londinensis; or, The London Art of Building in Three Parts” first published in 1734. The book had reached its seventh edition by 1759 and is believed to have been the most commonly used builder’s handbook in America during the colonial period.
British books of the type were joined by American publications by the early 19th century. Asher Benjamin was the first and best known of these authors, publishing seven builder’s handbooks between 1797 and 1843.
Auburn was designed by master builder-architect Levi Weeks in 1812 for lawyer Lyman Harding. In addition to Salmon’s book, his design sources for the house included William Pain’s “British Palladio” and Abraham Swan’s “Collection of Designs in Architecture,” all British publications. It is now a museum house and well worth a visit!
Visiting historic houses can be a great way to get inspiration for your own restoration projects. You can also gain inspiration and information for your projects in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
© Scott T. Hanson 2024.
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