Sir Arthur William Blomfield was a prominent English architect of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his significant contributions to ecclesiastical and public architecture. Born on March 6, 1829, in Fulham, London, Blomfield was the son of Charles James Blomfield, the Bishop of London. His upbringing in a family closely connected to the Church influenced his career path towards ecclesiastical architecture.
Blomfield received his education at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied mathematics and graduated in 1850. Following his graduation, he began his architectural training under Philip Hardwick, later joining the office of George Gilbert Scott, a renowned architect of the Victorian era. Scott's influence played a crucial role in shaping Blomfield's architectural style, which combined elements of Gothic Revival with his own interpretations.
In 1856, Blomfield established his own architectural practice in London, quickly gaining recognition for his designs. His early works included the Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas in Wilton, Wiltshire, and the restoration of St. Saviour's Church in Southwark, London. These projects showcased his ability to blend historical elements with contemporary design principles, setting the stage for his prolific career.
Throughout his career, Blomfield became particularly noted for his expertise in ecclesiastical architecture. He designed numerous churches across England, each reflecting his commitment to the Gothic Revival style and his understanding of the functional requirements of worship spaces. Among his notable church designs are the Church of St. Saviour in Eastbourne, St. John the Baptist Church in Busbridge, and Holy Trinity Church in Sloane Street, London. Later, he was made architect to the Bank of England.
In addition to his work on churches, Blomfield made significant contributions to public architecture. He designed several schools, hospitals, and government buildings, including the Royal College of Music in London and the Law Courts in Manchester. His versatility as an architect allowed him to adapt his style to suit the requirements of various projects while maintaining a consistent level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Blomfield's influence extended beyond his architectural practice. He served as the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) from 1891 to 1893 and was knighted in 1889 for his contributions to architecture. His advocacy for architectural education and professional standards helped shape the architectural profession in Britain during his time.
Blomfield died on 30 October 1899. He was survived by his sons Charles James and Arthur Conran Blomfield who each succeeded him in practice.
Sir Arthur William Blomfield's legacy lives on through his numerous architectural achievements, which continue to be admired for their beauty and craftsmanship. His commitment to preserving and enhancing Britain's architectural heritage left an indelible mark on the landscape of Victorian and Edwardian England.
References:
Curl, James Stevens. A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Oxford University Press, 2006.
Summerson, John. Victorian Architecture. Penguin Books, 1980.
Cherry, Bridget, and Nikolaus Pevsner. The Buildings of England: London 3: North West. Yale University Press, 1991.
Dictionary of Scottish Architects, 'Sir Arthur William Blomfield', DSA Architect Biography Report <http://www.codexgeo.co.uk/dsa/... > [accessed 3 February 2008]