George Hadfield (architect)


George Hadfield was born in Livorno, Italy of English parents, who were hotel-keepers. He studied at the Royal Academy, and worked with James Wyatt for six years before emigrating to the United States. He was also the brother of Maria Cosway, a famous painter who is best noted for her alleged affair with Thomas Jefferson, when he was the Ambassador to France between 1785–1789.

Life and career

He was appointed superintendent of the United States Capitol's construction on 15 October 1795, and continued in that position until June 1798, resigning after an argument with William Thornton. He is credited with part of the design of the original Capitol building such as the north wing, but little of the related papers remain.
He is buried in Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

List of works

There are other works. However they are not easily identified, since they are not in the Greek Revival style. For example, Hadfield is credited with alterations to The Octagon House.

Gallery