The butterfly plan of Kelling Hall, executed in 1912 with knapped flint walls and a gabled roof, established Edward Maufe as a significant figure in early twentieth-century design. His career transitioned from arts and crafts influences to a restrained, modern aesthetic that defined his ecclesiastical and institutional commissions across the United Kingdom throughout a long and prolific life.
Early Development and Training
Born Edward Muff in 1883 in Ilkley, he was the son of a linen draper. After attending Bradford Grammar School, he relocated to London in 1899 to serve a five-year apprenticeship under William A. Pite. He subsequently attended St John's College, Oxford, and the Architectural Association School of Architecture. In 1909, he and his family formally changed their surname to Maufe.
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Maufe drew early inspiration from the works of Philip Webb and Edwin Lutyens, particularly regarding roof design. By the 1920s, he emerged as a vocal advocate for contemporary Swedish architecture, which he admired for its freshness and adherence to tradition. His own practice often featured simplified elevations and restrained structural forms, exemplified by his work for the Royal Association in Aid of the Deaf and Dumb.
Guildford Cathedral and War Commissions
Winning the competition for Guildford Cathedral in 1932 cemented his reputation as a church architect. The project utilized a Gothic design executed in concrete faced with brick, aiming to create an atmosphere of austere simplicity. Following this, he became the principal architect for the Imperial War Graves Commission in 1943, eventually serving as chief architect and artistic adviser until 1969. His contributions include the Air Forces Memorial at Cooper's Hill.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Maufe was elected a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1920 and held memberships in the Royal Academy of Arts. In 1944, he received the Royal Gold Medal for architecture. His services were further recognized with a knighthood, becoming a Knight Bachelor and a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He died in 1974 at Shepherd's Hill.
Fast facts
- Born: 1883, Ilkley
- Died: 1974, Shepherd's Hill
- Education: Bradford Grammar School
- Royal Gold Medal: 1944
- Notable Works: Guildford Cathedral, St Columba's Church
- Professional Membership: Royal Academy of Arts
Questions readers ask
What is Edward Maufe's most famous building?
He is best known for the design of Guildford Cathedral, a project he won through a competition in 1932.
Did Maufe serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and later the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First World War.
Achievements
- Notable work: Bishop Hannington Memorial Church
- Notable work: Guildford Cathedral
- Notable work: St Columba's Church, London
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Royal Gold Medal
- Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects
- Trained at Bradford Grammar School
