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Patrick Lennox Tierney was born in West Virginia on January 28, 1914. He received a B.A. in Japanese Art at the University of California, Los Angeles, and later a M.A. in Art History from Columbia University. He then became a Professor in the Art Department at Pasadena City College (later, the Head of the Department), as well as Professor in the Art Department at the University of Utah (later, Assistant Head of the Department, and presently, Emeritus Professor). In addition to acting as Director during the construction of the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, he is active presently as a member of the Japanese Friendship Garden Council.

As Representative Commissioner of Art and Monuments for General Headquarters during the Allied Occupation of Japan, Professor Tierney worked for the repair and preservation of cultural sites, art, and monuments bombed and destroyed in Japan during World War II. Even after the end of the war, he stayed in Japan and along with engaging in research on Japanese art, he guided American schools in the study of art, and thereby promoted the understanding of Japanese history and culture amongst American children residing in Japan.

Upon returning to the United States, as Professor in the Art Departments of Pasadena City College and the University of Utah, Professor Tierney delved deeply into Japanese Art, and over many years has worked to nurture juniors in the field. In addition, there are close to 75,000 photographs taken by Professor Tierney (presently held at the University of Utah Marriott Library) related to the art and architecture of the Far East, Southeast Asia, and especially Japan. He has also donated close to 1500 books related to Japanese art history and Japanese art to the Clark Center, and has thus made efforts towards the development of understanding amongst students and United States citizens towards Japanese art. As one of the pioneers in California engaged in the study of Japanese art, Professor Tierney's achievements in the propagation of Japanese art are notable.

Professor Tierney is a member of the San Diego Japanese Garden Reconstruction Committee, and currently as a member of the Japanese Friendship Garden Council, has contributed to the preservation and maintenance of the garden. He introduces visitors of the garden to the beauty of the Japanese garden, and in addition to contributing to the propagation of traditional Japanese culture, visits Japan every year and contributes to exchanges in the art field between the United States and Japan.