Person Record
Images
Metadata
Name |
Hunt, Richard Morris |
Date Born |
10/31/1827 |
Deceased |
1895 |
Father |
Hunt, Jonathan |
Mother |
Hunt, Jane Maria Leavitt |
Spouse |
Hunt, Catherine Howland |
Occupation |
Architect |
Notes |
Richard Morris Hunt was young enough that his formal schooling really did not start until the family reached Europe in 1843. For a brief time he was enrolled, along with his brother Leavitt, in a Paris boarding school. After an extended tour of Italy, he was admitted to a military boarding school outside of Geneva, Switzerland. Though he originally planned a career in the military, he soon discovered architecture and began extracurricular study with a local architect. In 1846, under the tutelage of Hector Martin Lefuel, he became the first American accepted into the prestigious Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Richard excelled at his studies and became very proficient in the modes of architecture being taught at the time. Upon Richard's graduation, Lefuel asked him to assist with the renovations currently underway at the Louvre Museum. By 1855 he decided to return to the United States with the rest of his family. He originally planned to open a European-style arts academy with his brother William, but these dreams were soon given up for private architectural practice. Richard settled in New York City and quickly became one of the most sought-after architects of the day. Many historians credit him as the major exponent of the American Renaissance movement. Among his most famous designs were the Administration Building of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the Lenox Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art entrance, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, including Marble House and Breakers. In 1857 Richard helped establish the American Institute of Architects. He would later serve as president of this organization for many years. Richard was considered by many to be the dean of American architecture. His influence was so great that he was asked to chair the Board of Architects for the Columbian Exposition of 1893 Richard married Catherine Howland in 1861. Her dedication to him resulted in the great archive of papers currently housed at the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. |
