Raymond Erith

Who was Raymond Erith?

Raymond Charles Erith RA FRIBA was a leading classical architect in England during the period dominated by the modern movement after the Second World War. His work demonstrates his continual interest in expanding the classical tradition to establish a progressive modern architecture, drawing on the inherited experience and wisdom of the past.

At a time when traditionalists were routinely dismissed as Neo-Georgian, Erith’s skill and originality set him apart, as did his complex and creative use of his sources of inspiration and his quirky sense of humour. The sheer pleasure he found in architecture is evident in his buildings.

Erith was appointed architect for the reconstruction of Downing Street, elected a Royal Academician and served on the Royal Fine Art Commission. Since his death, exhibitions of his work have been held by the Royal Academy of Arts, Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury, Niall Hobhouse and Sir John Soane’s Museum.