Advanced Search 
New Custom House, Boston
George Girdler Smith (American, 1795–1859)
After: Hammatt Billings (American, 1816 to 1818–1874)
Designed by: Ammi B. Young (American, 1798 – 1874)
After: Hammatt Billings (American, 1816 to 1818–1874)
Designed by: Ammi B. Young (American, 1798 – 1874)
1840
Medium/Technique
Etching and engraving
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft—The Gardner Brewer Collection
Accession NumberM18348
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
DescriptionA sheet showing the design for the new Custom House, in Boston. Ammi B. Young won the 1837 competition to design the building, but the structure was not complete until 1849, so this print documents plans for the building near the beginning of construction.
The sheet bears four vignettes, labeled with letters, and a key. At upper left is a view of the proposed building, from the east. At lower left is a cross section of the building, showing the rotunda and structre of the dome. The two vignettes on the right show the ground floor and first floor plans of the building.
The sheet bears four vignettes, labeled with letters, and a key. At upper left is a view of the proposed building, from the east. At lower left is a cross section of the building, showing the rotunda and structre of the dome. The two vignettes on the right show the ground floor and first floor plans of the building.
Signed
In plate, below upper left image: G. G. Smith
InscriptionsIn plate, at center: New Custom House, Boston. / A. B. Young Archt. / Copy Right secured.
In plate, below upper left image: Drawn by C. H. Billings / Engraved by G. G. Smith / East View. / Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1840 by A. B. Young, in the Clerks [sic] Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
The sheet also bears a scale of measurement and an extensive key to the lettered diagrams.
In plate, below upper left image: Drawn by C. H. Billings / Engraved by G. G. Smith / East View. / Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1840 by A. B. Young, in the Clerks [sic] Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
The sheet also bears a scale of measurement and an extensive key to the lettered diagrams.
ProvenancePDP Register entry: Date acquired, 1/1/1902 [exact to year]