The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen in the City of New York
Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 p.m.
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Gregory Dietrich
Principal, Gregory Dietrich Preservation Consulting
presents
Finding Their Architectural Roots:
Cracking the Mystery of One of Brooklyn's Most Prolific and Distinguished Architectural Firms – Parfitt Brothers

Over the past several decades, the name "Parfitt Brothers" has become synonymous with some of Brooklyn's most distinctive buildings from Bensonhurst to Brooklyn Heights. Originally established by English brothers, Walter and Henry, in 1875, and later expanded to include brother, Albert, the Parfitt Bros. evolved into one of the borough's leading architecture firms of its day during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, designing a range of institutional, residential and commercial buildings in a wide variety of styles. While much is known about their work in Brooklyn, little is known about their background in England and their architectural training. Seeking to unlock the mystery of their past, architectural historian Gregory Dietrich will talk about his quest to uncover the brothers' origins, from their humble beginnings in Frome, England, to their early years in Brooklyn and the subsequent opening of the practice that led to their renown.