Henry Ogden Avery

Biography

Henry Ogden Avery, born in 1852, devoted his talents and intellect to the unfolding discipline of architecture. A graduate of the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and the École des Beaux-Arts, he was respected by peers for blending scholarly rigor with an eye for beauty, and he generously shared his collection of drawings and books to nurture future architects.

When his life was cut short in 1890, the Avery Library at Columbia University rose from his bequest as a living memorial, ensuring students could study the art and history of design. Resting at Green-Wood Cemetery, his legacy continues to guide creative minds and honor his belief in education.