Thomas Archer
Baroque Architect
Thomas Archer was an architect from the Baroque period of architecture. His career coincided with those of his contemporaries Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor although Archer would achieve significantly less prominence than these two.
It is known that Thomas Archer was born in the year 1668 although the exact date of his birth is uncertain. In fact relatively little is known about the other details of his personal life except that he was born in the town of Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire and he received his education from Oxford University. Bernini and Borromini whose works he encountered while on his Grand Tour heavily influenced him in his own undertakings.
Some of the notable projects that Archer was involved in include, St John's in Smith Square, Westminster, St. Paul's at Deptford and St Philip, Birmingham, which is now known as Birmingham Cathedral. St. John's sadly was heavily damaged during World War II.
Thomas Archer was also involved in secular work, among them the Roehampton House in Surrey, Welford Park in Berkshire, and the Cascade House. He was involved in the design of the west and north front of Chatsworth House.
Although he was a founding governor of the Foundling Hospital in London, he did not participate in the design and construction of the said building.
Thomas Archer died on May 23, 1743.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 30/07/2008
