Gervase Wheeler: A British Architect in America, 1847–1860

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, 1849–1850

[ 43 A lthough he gave the impression of enjoying a healthy practice in Hartford, we soon find Wheeler seeking work in Philadelphia. A business flyer printed for him in the city gives his address as 70 Walnut Street (in the American Fire Insurance Company building, just down from the Insurance Company of north America which he was to design), and “respectfully offers his services to those contemplating building” (see Figure 45). As references it lists prominent locals, C. H. [sic] Fisher, Harry Ingersoll,1 and Benjamin Gerard, a prominent lawyer and trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, all of Philadelphia, and A. I. [sic] Downing of newburgh, new York.2 Such a printed flyer suggests that he hoped to stay in the area for a while. BROOKWOOD, THE HENRY C. FISHER HOUSE Wheeler’s contributions to A. J. Downing’s The Horticulturist may have resulted in direct contact with the editor, although there is only circumstantial evidence to support this. At the end of 1849 Downing sponsored Wheeler on a trip to Philadelphia, where Downing had earlier come to consult with Henry C. Fisher about his new estate. In December, Wheeler presented himself to Fisher with a letter of introduction from Downing.3 Fisher had recently purchased fifty acres of land in the countryside to the north of Philadelphia and wanted a comfortable and luxurious estate. With the help of Downing, he had chosen a site for his home and a landscaping plan; all that remained was to design the house itself. Fisher and Wheeler first met at dinner on 12 December 1849. By 23 December the architect had submitted two designs for Fisher’s inspection, one Italianate, the other Elizabethan. Sidney Fisher, a close relative, wrote in his diary: “the latter is not only in itself the handsomer by far, in my judgment, but accords well with the picturesque character of the surrounding scenery.”4 The Elizabethan was apparently the design adopted. As the construction of Brookwood progressed over the next two years, it was invariably described as elegant, convenient, and luxurious.5 Much as had been the case with Rockwood, Brookwood received applause for its thoroughly considered plan and pleasant aspect. In the appendix to the sixth edition of Downing’s Landscape Gardening, after the sketch of Rockwood, a brief entry calls Brookwood a “very extensive and complete establishment” sure Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1849–1850 44 ] G E R V A S E W H E E L E R to become “one of the most striking places near Philadelphia.”6 The building was demolished in the 1960s, and no photographs have as yet been uncovered. There is reason to speculate, however, that Wheeler’s design for the Fisher estate was published by Downing. Downing’s Architecture of Country Houses appeared in 1850. In it, the author featured two designs by “Gervase Wheeler, Esq., of Philadelphia, an architect of reputation.”7 By introducing Wheeler in his book, as he had done in his magazine, Downing expressed his respect for the architect and complimented the designs for their “artistic ability, combined with an excellent knowledge of all that belongs to domestic life in its best development.” The first design, numbered XXV, “A Plain Timber Cottage-Villa,” was a slightly modified version of the Henry Boody house erected in Brunswick, already familiar to the reader. The second design, numbered XXX, “An American Country House of the First Class,” was prepared specifically for the book, according to Downing (Figure 16). Wheeler’s usual thorough explanation accompanied the illustrations.8 The architect considered the “Large Country House,” as the design is alternately labeled, a simple work, catering to the gentleman of average means. Figure 16. “An American Country House of the First Class.” Perhaps Brookwood, the Henry C. Fisher House, Philadelphia, 1849–50. (From A. J. Downing, The Architecture of Country Houses.) P H I L A D E L P H I A , P E N N S Y L V A N I A [ 45 The mode of expression, he wrote, “without being a copy of any of one of the well-known Tudor or Elizabethan types, has as distinct a character as they have.” In a scheme similar though less elaborate than Rockwood, the configuration of the plan balances the main living quarters with the kitchen and service wing on either side of a carriage porch and entrance hall. The library, drawing room, and dining room open onto...