Sir George Gilbert Scott
b. Gawcott, Bucks., 1811;
d. London, 1878.

Sir George Gilbert Scott, a famous architect who is the most prolific exponent of the High Gothic revival in Britain. He was articled to James Edmeston (1827-31) and in partnership with W B. Moffat (c.1834-1845). After encountering Pugin’s ideas, he became an early adherent of the new Ecclesiological principles of church design, and also developed an impressive ability to assimilate and combine elements from disparate English and European c13 and early c 14 sources. Dedicated to preserving and enhancing the medieval heritage, Scott played a part in the restoration of the majority of the British cathedrals and hundreds of parish churches. Though he advocated a conservative approach, the conspicuous thoroughness of some of his remedial work and his fondness for “correct” but conjectural renewal (e.g. the N portals of Westminster Abbey) later provoked controversy. His secular projects were informed by his very non Puginian conviction that Gothic was pre-eminently suited to modern building types and construction materials, and he achieved some prominent competition successes. Scott maintained a large practice and undertook over 850 projects. His pupils included G. F. Bodley, G. E. Street, and two of his sons. He won a Royal Gold Medal in 1859 and was knighted in 1872.

List of major buildings / works:
Foreign Office, Whitehall, London, 1862-73.
Albert Memorial, London, 1863-72.
Glasgow University, 1867.
Midland Hotel, St Pancras Station, London, 1868-74.
St Mary Abbots Church, Kensington, London, 1869-72.
Anglican Cathedral, Edinburgh, 1874-9.

Bibliography:
George Gilbert Scott, A Plea for the Faithful Restoration of our Ancient Churches, London, 1850;
George Gilbert Scott, Remarks on Domestic and Secular Architecture, London, 1857;
George Gilbert Scott, Personal and Professional Recollections, London, 1879.
David Cole, The Work of Sir Gilbert Scott, London, 1980.