Edward Blore completed the prominent East front of Buckingham Palace in 1847, finalizing the structure after John Nash’s earlier departure from the project. Though primarily recognized for his architectural practice, his career began in antiquarian draughtsmanship, characterized by meticulous illustrations for topographical publications rather than formal training in the mechanics of construction or site management.
Antiquarian Roots and Early Draughtsmanship
Born in Derby in 1787, Blore initially gained attention through his detailed drawings of historic ecclesiastical sites. He provided illustrations for Thomas Blore’s History of Rutland in 1811 and contributed to John Britton’s English Cathedrals. His artistic proficiency led to collaborations with William Atkinson on Abbotsford House near Galashiels and contributions to Thomas Frognall Dibdin’s Aedes Althorpianæ. By 1823, his reputation as a draughtsman was cemented by the production of Monumental Remains of Noble and Eminent Persons, a multi-part series he managed and partially engraved himself.
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In 1826, Blore was appointed Surveyor of the Fabric of Westminster Abbey, marking his transition into formal architectural responsibility. He subsequently undertook significant projects at Lambeth Palace, where he restored structures near collapse and introduced a fire-proof repository for archives. His expertise in ecclesiastical furnishings extended to Peterborough Cathedral, where he designed chancel fittings, and Westminster Abbey, where he oversaw the creation of new choir stalls.
Global Commissions and Stylistic Versatility
Blore displayed stylistic flexibility across disparate geographic regions. His most ambitious international project was the Vorontsov Palace in Alupka, Crimea, constructed between 1828 and 1846, which synthesized Gothic Revival and Moorish elements. Simultaneously, he applied his interpretation of the Gothic castle style to Government House in Sydney, Australia, in 1834. His diverse portfolio also included private commissions such as potential alterations at Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester.
Final Years and Legacy
Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1841, Blore exerted influence on the profession through pupils including Philip Charles Hardwick, Frederick Marrable, Henry Clutton, and William Mason. His work at Buckingham Palace faced recurring scrutiny, notably regarding the appearance of the street-facing facade, which was eventually modified by Sir Aston Webb in 1913. Blore died at his home in Manchester Square, London, on 4 September 1879, and was interred at Highgate Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1787, Derby
- Died: 4 September 1879, London
- Burial site: Highgate Cemetery
- Membership: Fellow of the Royal Society
- Notable work: Buckingham Palace East front
- Notable work: Blore Building, Lambeth Palace
- Notable work: Vorontsov Palace, Crimea
- Citizenship: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Questions readers ask
Did Edward Blore have formal architectural training?
No, his early professional background was rooted in antiquarian draughtsmanship and illustration.
What happened to Blore's facade at Buckingham Palace?
Following criticism of its appearance, the facade was redesigned by Sir Aston Webb in 1913.
