This is a recording of a talk called Horace Jones, the Architect who Designed Tower Bridge which was recorded on 17th September 2024.
This talk will explore the life and work of Sir Horace Jones (1819-1887), chief architect to the City of London who designed many of its most famous buildings including Tower Bridge, Smithfield, Leadenhall and Billingsgate markets, and the Temple Bar memorial. Despite the popularity of his works, Jones himself is surprisingly little known, and is held in generally low regard by the architectural profession. Drawing on his new biography of Horace Jones (the first ever published) David Lascelles will provide a unique insight into his life and work, the sources of his inspiration, the battles he fought to get his buildings completed and his surviving legacy. He will also discuss the reasons why Jones has fallen into obscurity while his creations continue to rise in popularity. There is no blue plaque to Jones, for example, and his name does not appear on the commemorative brass plates on Tower Bridge.
David Lascelles is a former journalist for the Financial Times where his work brought him into constant contact with Jones’ creations in the City. He also lives in a house in Kentish Town that Jones designed as a young man. It was the discovery of the Jones “black hole” that prompted him to write this biography.
After booking a ticket, you will be given access to the recording of the event. Please ignore the event date in the listings.
This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, click here.
The Victorian Society is an IHBC recognised CPD provider.
Image: Opening ceremony by William Lionel Wyllie, Guildhall Gallery © City of London Corporation
