Thomas Drew (architect) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Thomas Drew
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| Born | 18 September 1838 Victoria Place, Belfast, Ireland
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| Died | 13 March 1910 (aged 71) Dublin
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| Resting place | Deans Grange Cemetery |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Citizenship | British |
| Parent(s) | Thomas and Isabella Drew |
Sir Thomas Drew (born September 18, 1838 – died March 13, 1910) was an important architect from Ireland. He designed many famous buildings, especially churches, across Ireland. He was also very interested in protecting old historic buildings.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Thomas Drew was born in Belfast, a city in Ireland. His parents were Rev. Thomas Drew and Isabella Drew. He had many brothers and sisters, but sadly, most of them did not live to be adults. His sister, Catharine Drew, became a journalist and writer.
Thomas Drew learned how to be an architect from Sir Charles Lanyon. After his training, he moved to Dublin and worked for another architect named William George Murray.
Building a Career
In 1865, Thomas Drew became the main architect for several church areas in Ireland, including Down, Connor, and Dromore. From then on, designing churches became his most important work. He also worked as a special advisor for two very old and famous cathedrals in Dublin: St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral.
In 1871, he married Adelaide Anne, who was the sister of his boss, William George Murray.
Important Projects
Sir Thomas Drew designed many different types of buildings. Some of his well-known projects include the Ulster Bank on Dame Street in Dublin, the Rathmines Town Hall (finished in 1899), and the Graduates' Building at Trinity College in Dublin.
He cared a lot about old buildings. In 1866, he was the first person to really highlight how important St. Audoen's Church was. This church is Dublin's oldest local church. He made detailed drawings of it, which won him an award. He also dug up parts of the church to learn more and wrote a paper about its history.
One of his most significant designs was St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast. He completed the original design for this large church in 1899.
Awards and Recognition
Thomas Drew was recognized for his great work. He was knighted in 1900, which means he was given the title "Sir." He was also the very first president of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, serving from 1901 to 1903.
He led many other important groups too. He was president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (RSAI), and the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA). He also taught architecture at the National University of Ireland.
Sir Thomas Drew passed away on March 13, 1910, in Dublin. He was buried in Deans Grange Cemetery.
Key Buildings Designed
- Christ Church, Ballyculter, County Down – he helped renovate and rebuild it from 1880 to 1882.
- Holy Trinity, Seapatrick, County Down – he completely rebuilt this church in 1882.
- St. Patrick's Church, Coleraine, County Londonderry – he renovated and rebuilt parts of it from 1883 to 1885.
- St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast – he created the first design for this cathedral in 1899.
- Graduates Memorial Building, Trinity College, Dublin – designed between 1899 and 1902.
