Henry Percy Adams facts for kids

Henry Percy Adams (born Harry Percy Adams) was an important English architect. He was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, on October 26, 1865. He passed away on April 7, 1930. He was a respected member of the RIBA.

Early Life and Training

Henry Percy Adams was born Harry Percy Adams. His father, Webster Adams, was a surgeon in Ipswich. His mother was Alice Heal.

Henry went to Epsom College with his brother, Webster. After college, Henry moved to Dedham, Essex. He then trained to be an architect under Brightwen Binyon in Ipswich. This training was like an apprenticeship.

Henry was also a talented painter. He showed his artwork at the Ipswich Fine Art Club. He even had his paintings displayed at the famous Royal Academy in London.

In 1888, Henry joined the architectural office of Stephen Salter in London. That same year, he won a special Drawing Prize from the RIBA. Later, he won the Donaldson Medal for Architecture in 1897. He also received the Godwin Bursary, which was a scholarship.

In 1913, Henry took over Stephen Salter's architectural business. Two important architects, Charles Holden and Lionel Pearson, joined his practice in 1904. Charles Holden was first his assistant, then his chief designer. Lionel Pearson had studied at Liverpool University. After they joined, the company changed its name to Adams, Holden, and Pearson.

Important Buildings and Projects

Henry Percy Adams designed many important buildings, especially hospitals and medical centers. Here are some of his major works:

• 1897–98 He designed the South wing of Bedford General Hospital. This included a special 'Victoria Ward' just for children.
• 1898 He worked on the Staircase Hall at Madresfield Court in Worcestershire.
• 1900–1905 He co-designed the Chapel at Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne.
• 1900 He designed the New Infirmary in Dorking, Surrey.
• 1901 He worked on the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne.
• 1903 He designed the General Hospital in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
• 1903 He also designed the King Edward VII Sanatorium in Midhurst, Surrey. This was a special hospital for people recovering from illnesses.
• 1904 He designed the Beyoğlu Seaman's Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. This hospital was started during the Crimean War. It has a tower that helps people see ships coming in.
• 1906 He designed the Woman's Hospital in Soho, London.
• 1909 He designed a house called Semon (now 'Rignall's Wood') in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. This was for the famous garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.
• 1910 He worked with Charles Holden on new wards for the Bristol Royal Infirmary in Gloucestershire.
• 1910 He and Charles Holden also made changes to Savoy Place in London. This building is now used by the Institution of Electrical Engineers. They renovated the entrance, lecture theatre, and created a library.

Family Life

On May 22, 1890, Henry married Cicillia Clara Staddon in Ipswich. Their son was born in 1891, but sadly, his wife passed away after giving birth.

In 1896, Henry married Alice Mildred Mathieson. They had two sons and one daughter together.

Henry Percy Adams passed away on April 7, 1930, at Westminster Hospital in London. He was 64 years old.