Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane ; Richardson, H. H. (Henry Hobson), 1838-1886 ; Emslie, Peter
Drawing of part of the plan for the laundry from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum's Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880), 1880. Includes the washing, ironing, sewing, and drying rooms.
A large, aged sheet of paper displays a detailed architectural floor plan drawn with faint lines and colored markings. The paper is heavily stained, creased, and discolored, with darker water damage around the edges and folds. The plan appears vertically oriented, showing a central structure with symmetrical rooms or sections on either side, along with corridors and rectangular spaces. Additional smaller layout drawings are visible near the bottom portion of the sheet. The drawing includes fine linework, measurement markings, and structural outlines, though much of the detail is faded due to the condition of the paper.
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State University of New York at Buffalo. Architecture and Planning Library
NO COPYRIGHT – UNITED STATES. The organization that has made the Item available believes that the Item is in the Public Domain under the laws of the United States, but a determination was not made as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. The Item may not be in the Public Domain under the laws of other countries. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information.
Drawing of the foundation plan for the laundry from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880.
A large, aged sheet of paper displays a horizontal architectural floor plan with labeled rooms and structural details. The drawing is centered on the page, with thin linework and red-highlighted walls outlining several connected rectangular rooms. Labels within the rooms include functions such as ironing room, drying room, and washing room. Additional text beneath the plan identifies it as a building plan, along with a scale notation and a superintendent’s name. The paper shows visible wear, including creases, discoloration, and extensive water staining concentrated along the bottom edge.
A detail from a plan for an elevation of one of the male wards from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum's Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880), 1880.
A detailed architectural drawing shows a section of a building façade and roof structure rendered in fine black linework on a light background. The composition includes a triangular gable roof on the left with a circular window at its center, divided into segments. Below and around it are rectangular window groupings with mullions, arranged symmetrically across multiple vertical sections of the building. The roof surfaces are indicated with patterned lines suggesting shingles or tiles. On the right side, additional structural elements and partial interior or upper-level details are visible, including curved shapes that resemble staircases or architectural features. The drawing is clean and precise, with consistent line weight and minimal shading.
A plan for an elevation of one of the male wards from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum's Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880), 1880.
A detailed architectural elevation drawing shows the front façade of a large, symmetrical building rendered in fine black linework. The structure features a steeply pitched roof with multiple gables, including prominent triangular end sections and a central gable with a vertical spire. Circular windows are set within the end gables, while evenly spaced rectangular windows with arched tops line both floors of the façade. The building’s exterior includes decorative brickwork, horizontal banding, and a central entrance with a small balcony or overhang above it. The drawing is clean and precise, with subtle shading and some faint discoloration marks on the paper near the top.
The plan for the library from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880), 1880.
A precise architectural drawing presents two views of a library design on a single sheet. On the left, a vertical section view shows interior wall detailing with decorative paneling, a doorway with an arched top, and built-in elements arranged symmetrically. On the right, a floor plan outlines a large rectangular room with thick exterior walls and a patterned grid indicating tiled flooring. Smaller alcoves or recesses appear along one side, and faint structural or furnishing elements are sketched within the space. Labels on the drawing identify the views as a section and plan of the library. The composition is rendered in fine grayscale linework with subtle shading.
Elevations of Stables and Cow Barns, 1880
Drawing #49 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawings of elevations of stables and cow barns.
A detailed architectural drawing sheet presents multiple elevations and cross-sections of a stable building. The main portion of the page shows several side views of a long, rectangular structure with a pitched roof, chimneys, and evenly spaced arched windows and doors. Each elevation is labeled to indicate different sides of the building. On the right side of the sheet, smaller sectional drawings reveal the internal roof structure, framing, and support elements, highlighted with light color accents. The paper has a slightly aged tone, with faint marks and a printed number in the upper corner.
Drawing #48 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawing of the stables and cow barns.
A large architectural drawing sheet presents multiple floor plans arranged across the page. The plans are rendered in fine linework with red-highlighted walls, showing a series of connected rectangular spaces forming an L-shaped layout on the right and a separate, narrower rectangular plan on the left. Individual rooms and corridors are labeled, with small symbols and measurements indicating structural and functional details. The right-side plan includes a long central passage with adjacent rooms, while the left-side plan shows a more compact arrangement. Text in the center identifies the drawing as a stable building plan, along with scale information and a superintendent’s name. The paper has a slightly aged, yellowed tone with minor marks and discoloration.
Cellar Plan of Stables and Cow Barns, 1880
Drawing #47 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawing of the cellars for the stables and cow barns.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows multiple floor plans and structural details arranged across the page. The main plan forms an L-shaped layout on the right, with long rectangular sections filled with evenly spaced lines indicating stalls or partitions, highlighted with red and yellow accents. A narrower, separate rectangular plan appears on the left with similar internal divisions. Fine annotations, measurements, and construction details are distributed throughout the drawing, including a small set of arched opening diagrams near the center-right. Text at the top identifies the design as a stable building plan for cattle, sheep, or horses, along with scale information and a superintendent’s name. The paper has an aged, slightly yellowed tone with faint marks and creases.
Drawing #46 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawings of the ice house.
A large architectural drawing sheet displays multiple views of an infirmary building, including a central floor plan and several elevations and cross-sections. The floor plan at the top center shows a rectangular layout with interior partitions and structural elements highlighted in red and yellow. On either side of the plan are sectional views revealing the pitched roof structure and internal supports. Along the bottom, three elevation drawings depict the exterior from different sides, showing a simple rectangular building with a gabled roof, chimneys, and evenly spaced arched windows and doors. The paper has an aged, slightly yellowed appearance with faint stains and marks, and a number is printed in the upper corner.
Drawing #45 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Elevations and plans of the laundry.
A large architectural drawing sheet presents a detailed plan and multiple views of a building complex associated with a state asylum. The upper portion shows a floor plan with labeled rooms such as ironing, drying, and washing areas, connected by corridors and outlined with red-highlighted walls. Additional sections of the plan extend to adjacent structures, including boiler and work rooms. Below the plan, several elevation drawings depict the exterior of a long, rectangular building with a pitched roof, chimneys, and evenly spaced arched windows and doors. Smaller sectional drawings on either side illustrate the internal roof structure and support elements. The paper has an aged, yellowed appearance with faint stains and marks, and a number is printed in the upper corner.
Drawing #44 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880. Drawing of the north, south, and west elevations of the workshop and bakery.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows multiple elevation views of a workshop and bakery building. The main portion presents north, south, and rear elevations of a long, symmetrical structure with a pitched roof, decorative gables, and a central tower-like feature with arched openings. The façade includes evenly spaced rectangular windows, double-door entrances, and stonework detailing. A smaller drawing in the lower corner shows an additional structural element, possibly a gate or enclosure. The paper is aged with visible creases, discoloration, and water stains, particularly along the lower edge.
Drawing #43 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880. Drawing of the workshop and bakery.
A large architectural drawing sheet presents a detailed floor plan labeled for a workshop and bakery. The layout forms an L-shaped arrangement, with multiple connected rectangular rooms outlined in red. Interior spaces are labeled, including areas such as a bakery, boiler room, and coal store, with fine annotations and measurements throughout. Lines extending from the main structure indicate connections to external elements or systems. The drawing is rendered in precise linework on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains and marks, and a number appears in the upper corner.
Drawing #42 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880. Drawing of the kitchen for the male wards.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows elevation views of a kitchen building for male wards. Two main elevations are presented, labeled north and south, depicting a low, rectangular structure with a hipped roof, chimneys, and evenly spaced arched windows and doors. The building features simple brickwork detailing and a small roof vent or cupola. On the right side, a partial sectional detail shows the roof structure and wall construction. The drawing is executed in fine linework on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains and marks, and a number is printed in the upper corner.
Plan of Kitchen and Connecting Corridor, 1880
Drawing #41 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880. Drawing of the kitchen for the wards and a connecting corridor.
A large architectural drawing sheet presents a floor plan labeled for a kitchen and connecting corridor. The main structure appears as a compact rectangular layout with interior partitions and rooms outlined in red, accompanied by detailed annotations and measurements. Extending from the lower portion of the building is a curved corridor that connects to another smaller structure, also partially shown in plan view. Fine construction lines and notes indicate structural elements and layout details. The drawing is rendered in precise linework on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains and marks, and a number appears in the upper corner.
Male Ward E, North and South Elevations, 1880
Drawing #39 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawing of north and south elevations of Male Ward E.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows two elevation views of a building labeled male ward E. The upper drawing presents the north elevation, while the lower shows the south elevation. The structure is a long, rectangular building with a pitched roof and a central gable featuring decorative detailing and a small window. The façade includes evenly spaced tall, narrow windows set above a stone foundation. The south elevation shows additional features such as a small entrance with steps and chimneys rising along the roofline. The drawing is rendered in fine linework with light color washes on aged, slightly yellowed paper, with faint stains and marks.
Drawing #38 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawing of front elevation of Male Ward E.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows the front elevation of a building labeled male ward E. The structure is a long, symmetrical building with a pitched roof and multiple gables, including prominent end gables with circular windows and smaller dormer-like projections along the roofline. The façade features evenly spaced tall windows, decorative brickwork, and a central entrance with steps. The drawing is rendered in fine linework with light color washes on aged, slightly yellowed paper, with faint stains and marks visible across the surface.
Drawing #37 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawing of first floor of Male Ward E.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows a first-floor plan labeled for male ward E. The layout forms a T-shaped arrangement with a long central corridor extending vertically and wider wings at the top and bottom. Numerous small, evenly spaced rooms line the corridor, each outlined in red with annotations and measurements. Larger rooms appear at the ends of the plan, including a labeled dining room. Handwritten notes and markings are scattered across the drawing. The paper is heavily aged, with visible creases, tears, discoloration, and water stains, especially along the edges and folds.
Drawing #33 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawing of front elevation of Male Ward D.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows the front elevation of a building labeled male ward D. The structure is a long, symmetrical building with a pitched roof featuring multiple gables and dormer windows. Prominent end gables include circular windows, and a central gable rises higher with decorative detailing. The façade is composed of brickwork with horizontal banding and evenly spaced tall windows arranged across two levels above a stone foundation. A small entrance section extends on the right side. The drawing is rendered in fine linework with light color washes on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains and marks.
Drawing #27 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor, 1880. Drawing of front elevation of Male Ward C.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows the front elevation of a building labeled male ward C. The structure is a long, symmetrical building with a pitched roof featuring multiple gables and dormer windows. Prominent end gables include circular windows, and a taller central gable rises above the roofline with decorative detailing and a finial. The façade is composed of brickwork with horizontal banding and evenly spaced tall windows arranged across two levels above a stone foundation. A small entrance extension appears on the right side. The drawing is rendered in fine linework with light color washes on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains and marks.
Drawing #16 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880. Drawing of rear elevation of Male Ward A.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows the rear elevation of a building labeled male ward A. The structure is a long, multi-story building with a symmetrical arrangement, featuring three levels of evenly spaced tall windows across the façade. The roofline includes gabled sections at both ends and a central gable, with simple detailing. A small external staircase is visible on the right side leading to an upper entrance. The drawing is executed in fine linework without color shading on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint marks and a printed number in the upper corner.
Digital image of drawing #15 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880. Drawing of side elevations of Male Ward A.
Drawing #14 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880. Drawing of front elevation of Male Ward A.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows the front elevation of a building labeled male ward A. The structure is a long, symmetrical, multi-story building with a pitched roof featuring prominent end gables and several smaller dormer-like projections along the roofline. A central gable rises higher with decorative detailing and a vertical element at its peak. The façade is organized with evenly spaced tall windows across three levels above a stone base, and multiple entrances are visible along the ground level. The drawing is rendered in fine linework on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains, creases, and handwritten notes.
Drawing #11 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and crayon, 1880. Plan for the first floor of Male Ward A.
A large architectural drawing sheet shows a detailed first-floor plan labeled for male ward A. The layout consists of a long, irregular arrangement of connected corridors and rooms, with a central vertical section branching into extended wings. Numerous small rooms line the corridors, each outlined in red and annotated with measurements and notes. On the right side, a curved corridor connects to an adjoining section with additional rooms and service areas. Handwritten notes and markings appear throughout the drawing. The paper is aged, with a yellowed tone, faint stains, and slight creasing.
Administration Building, West Elevation, 1880
Drawing of the west elevation of the Administration Building from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880
A large architectural drawing sheet shows a detailed elevation of an administration building, labeled as a west elevation. The structure features a multi-story façade with evenly spaced rectangular windows arranged in vertical rows. A central projecting section includes a gabled roof and decorative elements, including a circular window and arched detailing. The roofline extends across the building with additional gabled sections and chimneys. The drawing is rendered in fine linework on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains and minimal shading.
Administration Building, East Elevation, 1880
Drawing of the east elevation of the Administration Building from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink, 1880
A large architectural drawing sheet shows an elevation of an administration building labeled as the east elevation. The structure features a multi-story façade with evenly spaced rectangular windows arranged in vertical rows. A central projecting section includes a gabled roof with decorative detailing and a circular window, flanked by smaller gabled elements. The roofline extends across the building with additional structural sections and chimneys. The drawing is rendered in fine linework on aged, slightly yellowed paper with faint stains and minimal shading.
Administration Building, Front Elevation, 1880
Drawing #6 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink. Includes drawing of the front elevation of the Administration Building, 1880
A large architectural drawing sheet shows the front elevation of an administration building. The design features a symmetrical, multi-story façade with evenly spaced windows across several levels. Two prominent tower-like structures with steep, pointed roofs rise on either side of a central section, connected by lower roof elements and decorative supports. The central portion includes detailed window groupings and arched architectural elements at the ground level. Fine linework outlines structural details, measurements, and annotations. The paper is aged, with a warm yellow tone, light stains, and slight creases.
Administration Building Plan of Basement, 1880
Drawing #1 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil and ink. Includes plan for the basement of the Administration Building, 1880
A large architectural drawing sheet shows a detailed basement plan labeled for an administration building. The layout is symmetrical, centered around a main rectangular core with corridors and rooms arranged on both sides. Multiple rooms are labeled and outlined, with red ink highlighting walls, structural elements, and circulation paths. Two curved staircases appear near the upper portion, and a long angled passage or external connection extends from the right side. The drawing includes numerous measurements, annotations, and construction notes. The paper is aged, with a yellowed tone, visible stains, ink marks, and slight wear.
Plans of the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, 1880
Watercolor and ink introduction page for Peter Emslie's reproduction of H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, 1880. Reads, "Plans of the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane shewing all of the floors of the Administration Building and Male Wards A, B, C, D and E, also kitchen and corridor connecting same with Ward B, together with ice-house, laundry, stables, cow-barns, workshop [copyright] 1880. Peter Emslie Building Superintendent."
Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane Plan of Laundry, 1880
Part of drawing #42 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor. Includes plans for the laundry, 1880
A worn architectural drawing shows a partial floor or service plan with a horizontal layout of connected spaces. Two large rectangular rooms appear on the left and right, with interior features faintly sketched—on the right, multiple circular elements suggest equipment or fixtures arranged in a grid. A central corridor or connection runs between the spaces, with pipes or utility lines drawn in fine lines linking areas. Red ink highlights walls and structural boundaries, while lighter lines indicate mechanical or plumbing details. The paper is heavily aged, with pronounced water stains, discoloration, creases, and darkened edges.
Part of drawing #42 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor. Includes the washing room of the laundry, 1880
A faded architectural drawing shows a utility or service plan with a central rectangular structure connected by straight corridors or conduits extending vertically and horizontally. The layout is symmetrical, with faint outlines of additional rooms or tanks on both sides. Thin blue and red lines indicate piping, drainage, or structural elements, intersecting at the central block. The lower edge reveals part of a longer horizontal building wall with regularly spaced openings. The paper is heavily aged, showing large water stains, discoloration, fold lines, and worn edges.
Part of drawing #42 from H. H. Richardson's plans for the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, as reproduced by Peter Emslie, the Asylum’s Supervising Architect (1877-1880) and Building Superintendent (1878-1880) in pencil, ink, and watercolor. Includes the sewing room, ironing room, and drying room of the laundry, 1880
A heavily worn architectural drawing shows a large-scale plan, likely of a utility or service system integrated within a building layout. The composition is organized around a central vertical corridor or shaft, with a rectangular core in the middle containing a series of evenly spaced parallel lines—possibly indicating structural beams, pipes, or mechanical equipment. On both sides, faint outlines of rooms or bays repeat symmetrically. Red and blue lines trace walls, conduits, or drainage paths, intersecting at key junctions. The sheet is extensively stained with large water marks, creases, and torn or frayed edges, obscuring some details.