THE LIFE AND WORKS OF SIR HORACE JONES PRIBA (1819-1887)

Abstract

This thesis attempts to provide the first biography of the mid-Victorian architect Sir Horace Jones PRIBA (1819-1887) and comprises the most comprehensive account of his most important projects, including a complete inventory of his known works. It explores Jones’s early life, returning to primary sources, to describe his upbringing and architectural training. A detailed itinerary of his architectural travels, at the end of his training, is provided, drawn from a range of archival sources and contemporary descriptions, examining Jones’s route into the architectural profession. The thesis then explores Jones’s early career, reviewing his extensive portfolio of work as a private practitioner (1843-1864). By examining a combination of primary and archival material, it offers a detailed appraisal of his most important projects and their reception by his contemporaries. Jones’s early influences are investigated, through his involvement in contemporary architectural societies, highlighting the circumstances of his election as the Architect to the City of London Corporation, in 1864. The thesis offers the first in-depth account of the inner workings of the Architect’s Office at the Corporation, during Jones’s tenure (1864-1887) and how the role developed and increased in importance under him. It provides the first detailed overview of the duties, remuneration and staffing of this office. Jones’s work for the Corporation is then examined, with special focus on his Metropolitan Markets (1866-1887). Making use of a comprehensive range of previously unexplored archival drawings and contemporary publications, as well as by examination of the surviving buildings, the thesis reveals their special architectural and constructional composition, highlighting the markets as a highly experimental and original work. Jones’s lesser-known projects for the Corporation are investigated next, by reviewing previously unexplored archival material, most notably for the Guildhall Library and Museum (1870-73) and the New Council Chamber (1882-85). His involvement with the Freemasonry is discussed and particularly his work for the restoration of the Freemasons’ Hall. Jones’s personal life in this latter part of his career is investigated in detail for the first time. His personal correspondence and a rare photographic family album reveal previously unknown aspects about his personal and professional circumstances. Lastly, the thesis explores Jones’s most recognisable project, Tower Bridge, as well as his little-known schemes for other bridges across the Thames. Going further than any previous account, the research interrogates Jones’s particular contribution to the development of its design and the factors that contributed to its perception as one of the most controversial projects of its time. Jones’s reputation is reviewed in the context of the reception of Tower Bridge. His overall work is appraised against the background of the criticism it received, and also of architectural discussions around the use of iron in architecture. As the first work to attempt an exploration of Horace Jones’s life and career, this dissertation aims to provide an entirely new and comprehensive reassessment of one of the most prolific and influential, but surprisingly overlooked architects of the Victorian period.