Heritage Centre : College Architecture

Robert Hooke

Robert Smirke

Denys Lasdun

Sir Robert Smirke (1780–1867)

Robert Smirke became a pupil of architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837) at an early age in 1796, but left after only 10 months. He was later trained by Soane’s former tutor George Dance and Thomas Bush whilst studying at the Royal Academy Schools in London. A tour of Europe lasting two years proved to be a lasting influence on his work, particularly the architecture of Greece.

The domestic buildings designed by Smirke were mostly in the Gothic style but he is best known for the rather severe Greek Revival style of his public buildings. Smirke built up a private architectural practice that became the largest in London of its time. He became official architect to the Office of Works in 1815 along with John Nash and Sir John Soane. Smirke advised Parliamentary Commissioners on the building of new churches, contributing four himself. 

Smirke’s best known work is the British Museum (1823-46) where he designed the central giant portico and projecting wings. He had already established the Greek revival style with the giant Doric portico of the Covent Garden Theatre (1809), a fashionable and influential venue in the heart of the capital.  He built the new home for the Union Cub and the Royal College of Physicians on Pall Mall East in a similar manner, opening in 1825.

Despite being stylistically rather repetitive, Smirk was technically and structurally bold and became very successful. He was knighted in 1832 and was awarded the RIBA gold medal in 1853 and 1859.  The medal was also awarded to Denys Lasdun, the architect of the College’s present home, in 1977.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This page last updated on September 1, 2006