Sir John Newenham Summerson (1904–92) was a British architectural historian renowned for his expertise in Georgian and classical architecture. His writings shaped British architectural history, making him one of the 20th century’s most influential scholars.
Born in Darlington, England, Summerson studied at Harrow School and the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. After briefly working in architectural practice, he transitioned to teaching and writing, becoming a tutor at Edinburgh College of Art (1929.)
His first major work, John Nash: Architect to King George IV (1935,) was widely acclaimed. He later published Georgian London (1945,) considered a masterpiece, and Architecture in Britain: 1530–1830 (1953,) now a standard reference. His book The Classical Language of Architecture (1963) introduced classical principles to a broad audience. Summerson served as Curator of Sir John Soane’s Museum (1945–84,) preserving its heritage. He was knighted in 1988 for his contributions to architectural scholarship.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John Summerson
Architecture is a chained and fettered art. Far from being frozen music, it is an art constantly attempting to realize in solid, stable form those effects which music is able to conjure up in an instant
—John Summerson
Topics: Architecture
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