Joseph Pickford facts for kids
Joseph Pickford (born 1734 – died 1782) was a famous English architect. He mostly worked in Derbyshire, a county in England. He was one of the best architects during the time of George III, who was the King. The house he built for himself in Derby is now a museum called the Pickford's House Museum.
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Who Was Joseph Pickford?
Joseph Pickford was born in Warwickshire in 1734. When his father, William Pickford, died in 1742, Joseph moved to London as a child.
Early Life and Training
Joseph learned his skills from his uncle, who was also named Joseph Pickford. His uncle was a stonemason and a sculptor. Joseph trained with his uncle for about ten years. First, he learned how to be a mason, working with stone. Then, he became an architect, designing buildings.
At one point, Joseph Pickford had offices in both London and Derby. Around 1760, he moved to Derby. There, he worked for David Hiorne, another architect. Joseph married Mary, the daughter of Thomas Wilkins.
Pickford's Famous Home
The house Joseph designed for himself is at Number 41 Friar Gate in Derby. This house is now the Pickford's House Museum. It is also a very important historic building, known as a Grade I listed building.
His Work and Friends
Joseph Pickford built many buildings across the middle parts of England. He mainly designed large homes and country houses. He used a style called Palladian. This style is based on the ideas of an old Italian architect named Andrea Palladio. It uses balanced shapes and grand designs.
Many of Joseph's friends and clients were part of a special group called the Lunar Society. This group included important thinkers and inventors of the time. Some of his famous friends were:
- Josiah Wedgwood, a well-known potter.
- Joseph Wright of Derby, a famous painter.
- Matthew Boulton, an inventor.
- John Whitehurst, another inventor.
Joseph Pickford also worked for many important people. These included William Cavendish, who was the 5th Duke of Devonshire. He also worked for William Fitzherbert and Lord Archibald Hamilton.
His Death and Legacy
Joseph Pickford died in 1782 at his home in Friar Gate, Derby. He was buried at St. Werburgh's Church. His wife, Mary, was buried next to him when she died in 1812.
In 2013, a special blue plaque was put on Pickford's House in Derby. This plaque is a memorial to him and his important work.
Key Buildings Designed by Pickford
Joseph Pickford designed many important buildings. Here are some of his main works:
- St Helen's House, Derby (1766–67): A grand house built for John Gisbourne.
- Etruria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent (1768–70): Built for the potter Josiah Wedgwood. Part of it is now a hotel.
- St Mary's Church, Birmingham (1773-74): This church was later taken down in the 1920s.
- Sandon Hall, Staffordshire (1769-71): This building was destroyed by a fire in 1848. A new building stands there now.
- Pickford’s House, Derby (1769-70): This was Joseph Pickford’s own family home. He lived there until he died.
- Markeaton Park Orangery and Stables, Derby (1775-76): These buildings were part of the large Markeaton Park estate.
Gallery of Architectural Work
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St. Helen’s House, Derby
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Mill, Chatsworth, Derbyshire
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Etruria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
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St Mary's Church, Whittall Street, Birmingham
