Robert George Thomas, colonial architect
Reliques of Ancient English Architecture
by John Johnson, Architect FSA,
Lithographed by Alfred Newman
The National Trust has acquired a copy of Reliques of Ancient English Architecture which formed part of the library of leading colonial architect Robert George Thomas, known for his strong contribution to Gothic Revival architecture in Australia.
Born in 1820 Thomas had a strong association with South Australia having been a member of the original survey party under Colonel William Light to lay out Adelaide in 1836.
In the mid 1840’s he returned to England and qualified as an architect and engineer.
He then established himself in Newport, Monmouthshire and had a very active practice. |
St Mary's Uffington Berkshire |
Porch, Boxford Church Suffolk
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Between 1847 and 1857 he was responsible for more than 52 designs for a range of buildings from cottages to town halls and bridges
His work reflected his strong interest in the Gothic Revival and so the purchase of Reliques in 1858, the year this work was published is not surprising. |
In 1860 he returned to Adelaide where he established a thriving private practice as well as serving as both Assistant Government Architect and then Government Architect between 1866 and 1870.
His work reflected his predilection for High Victorian Gothic. Brian Andrews observed “that he had acquired such a command of his Gothic vocabulary by the 1860’s that he could feel confident improvising in a thoroughly free and personal manner - a rare quality indeed in the overall context of the Gothic Revival in Australia.” |
Stratford on Avon Warwickshire
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