Early Life and Education
George Francis Temple was born on June 20, 1821, in London, England. His father, George Temple, was a successful wool merchant, and his mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of a prominent physician. Temple received his early education at private schools in London and then studied architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Career
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Arts, Temple worked for several years as an assistant to Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament. In 1849, Temple established his own architectural practice in London. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs and his ability to combine beauty and functionality in his buildings.
Architectural Style
Temple’s architectural style was influenced by a variety of sources, including the Gothic Revival movement, the Italian Renaissance, and the Classical Revival. He was known for his use of bold, geometric forms and his attention to detail. Temple’s buildings are often characterized by their large windows, high ceilings, and ornate ornamentation.
Notable Works
Some of Temple’s most notable works include:
- The Reform Club, London (1837-1841)
- The Athenaeum Club, London (1838-1842)
- The Travellers’ Club, London (1839-1843)
- The Royal College of Surgeons, London (1835-1843)
- The Royal Holloway College, Egham (1879-1886)
Personal Life
Temple married Mary Anne Pilkington in 1857. They had three children together. Temple was a devout Christian and a member of the Church of England. He was also a keen sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cricket.
Legacy
George Francis Temple died on April 23, 1890, at the age of 68. He is considered one of the most important architects of the Victorian era. His buildings continue to be admired for their beauty, functionality, and historical significance.
Impact on Architecture
Temple’s impact on architecture was profound. He helped to shape the Victorian Gothic Revival movement and his buildings set a new standard for commercial and institutional architecture. Temple’s work also influenced the development of the American skyscraper.
Awards and Honors
Temple received numerous awards and honors for his work, including:
- The Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (1883)
- The Royal Victorian Medal (1889)
- The Order of the Bath (1889)
Table 1: Key Features of George Francis Temple’s Architectural Style
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bold, geometric forms | Temple’s buildings are often characterized by their simple, geometric shapes. |
| Large windows | Temple’s buildings often have large windows that allow for plenty of natural light. |
| High ceilings | Temple’s buildings often have high ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness. |
| Ornate ornamentation | Temple’s buildings are often decorated with intricate ornamentation. |
Table 2: Comparison of George Francis Temple’s Architectural Style to Other Victorian Styles
| Style | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Gothic Revival | Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stained glass windows |
| Italian Renaissance | Classical orders, domes, and pediments |
| Classical Revival | Columns, pilasters, and entablatures |
| George Francis Temple | Bold, geometric forms, large windows, high ceilings, and ornate ornamentation |
Table 3: Timeline of George Francis Temple’s Career
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1821 | Born in London, England |
| 1839-1843 | Studied architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts |
| 1849 | Established his own architectural practice in London |
| 1857 | Married Mary Anne Pilkington |
| 1879-1886 | Designed the Royal Holloway College, Egham |
| 1883 | Received the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects |
| 1889 | Received the Royal Victorian Medal and the Order of the Bath |
| 1890 | Died in London, England |
Table 4: George Francis Temple’s Contributions to Architecture
| Contribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Helped to shape the Victorian Gothic Revival movement | Temple’s buildings are some of the most iconic examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. |
| Set a new standard for commercial and institutional architecture | Temple’s buildings were designed to be both beautiful and functional. |
| Influenced the development of the American skyscraper | Temple’s work helped to pave the way for the development of the American skyscraper. |
Conclusion
George Francis Temple was one of the most important architects of the Victorian era. His buildings are still admired today for their beauty, functionality, and historical significance. Temple’s work had a profound impact on the development of architecture and his legacy continues to inspire architects today.
