Alan Gore facts for kids

Alan Gore (born 27 September 1926 – died 5 April 2006) was a talented designer and historian. He was born in Australia but became famous in Britain. Alan Gore was known for two main things: helping to restore old, beautiful houses and designing modern kitchens. People even called him "the king of the kitchen"!

Early Life of Alan Gore

Alan Gore was born on 27 September 1926 in Queensland, Australia. His father, Francis Gore, had an interesting life. He used to be a tea planter in Assam, India, before World War I. Later, he owned a big farm in Australia. Alan's mother, Kirstine, was a painter. Alan also had a brother named Bobby, who later worked for the National Trust, an organization that protects historic places. Alan's father passed away when Alan was eleven years old.

Alan went to school at Wellington College. During World War II, he was a Bevin Boy. This meant he worked in coal mines to help the war effort instead of joining the army. After the war, he served in the Royal Army Educational Corps, where he taught at the Knightsbridge Barracks. He also studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, a famous design school, but he didn't finish his degree.

Alan Gore's Career

Alan Gore became an architectural designer because he really loved historic houses. He had seen many beautiful old homes in Nottinghamshire during the war. In 1956, he started his own design company with Harry Spencer. By 1964, the company was called Gore, Gibberd & Saunders.

Alan and his partners became experts at restoring old houses in Britain and France. For example, they helped redesign parts of the Château de la Croix des Gardes, a large castle in Cannes, France. They worked on its outside look and even the swimming pool!

Alan also worked with famous interior designers. He became very interested in designing modern kitchens. He was one of the first people to create stylish, well-planned kitchens. This is why he earned the nickname "the king of the kitchen."

Besides designing, Alan Gore also wrote books and made TV shows. In the 1980s, he created two documentary series for Thames Television called The English Garden and The English House. He also advised on other TV programs, including one about Petworth House, a grand historic home. Alan gave talks in North America and Australia and led tours of historic houses in England.

Personal Life and Passing

Alan Gore was married to Ann, who was a cooking instructor and fashion writer. They had two sons. Alan Gore passed away on 5 April 2006, at the age of 89.

Books by Alan Gore

• The English Garden (1979)
• The History of English Interiors (1991)
• English Interiors: An Illustrated History (1985)
• The English House (1985)