Robert McKay Fripp facts for kids

Robert McKay Fripp (born December 16, 1858 – died December 16, 1917) was a talented architect. He was born in England but also worked in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Early Life and Architectural Training

Robert McKay Fripp was born in Clifton, which is now part of Bristol, England. His father, George Arthur Fripp, was an artist, and his mother was Mary Percival.

Robert began his training as an architect in Berkshire. He was greatly inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. This movement focused on traditional craftsmanship and simple, beautiful designs. Famous artists like William Morris and architects like Richard Norman Shaw were part of this style.

Fripp continued his studies at the Royal College of Art and the British Museum. He then worked with a well-known architect named Sir Horace Jones in London.

A Global Career

Robert Fripp traveled a lot during his career. In 1880, he moved to Australia. He worked in architectural offices in cities like Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

The next year, he moved to New Zealand and worked as an architect in Auckland. He married Christina Nichol there in 1887.

In 1888, Fripp moved to North America and settled in Vancouver, Canada. He returned to New Zealand for a few years (1896-1898) before going back to Vancouver.

Professional Achievements and Design Style

Robert Fripp achieved important professional recognition. In 1901, he became a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. This is a high honor for architects. In 1906, he was also certified to work as an architect in California, USA. He worked for a while in Los Angeles before returning to Vancouver in 1908.

While he was in New Zealand in the 1880s, Fripp helped the arts community. He was the secretary of the Auckland Society of Arts. He also started classes to teach architecture.

Fripp designed buildings in the Arts and Crafts movement style. He also built houses that looked like the work of California architects Greene and Greene. Their designs often featured natural materials and detailed craftsmanship.

In 1910, Fripp became a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He also served as the president of the Canadian Handicrafts Guild in Vancouver. This group promoted traditional crafts.

Family and Passing

Robert McKay Fripp passed away in Vancouver on his 59th birthday. His brothers, Thomas and Charles, were both artists. They also spent some time living in British Columbia.