Detailed measurements of the Parthenon in Greece conducted during the 1840s revealed to Francis Penrose the deliberate use of entasis and curvature in the structure of ancient monuments. This discovery shifted contemporary understanding of classical architectural principles, marking a significant departure from previous assumptions regarding the geometric precision of the Athenian ruins.
Architectural Training and Early Career
Born in 1817 at Bracebridge, Penrose attended Bedford Modern School and Bedford School before enrolling at Winchester College and Magdalene College, Cambridge. He was an active athlete, rowing for the Cambridge crew in the Boat Race during 1840, 1841, and 1842. Between 1835 and 1838, he undertook architectural training under Edward Blore. Following his studies, he traveled abroad as a Cambridge travelling bachelor from 1842 to 1845. While in Rome in 1843, he identified structural irregularities in the Pantheon, specifically noting modifications to the pitch of the pediment roof.
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In 1852, Penrose received the appointment of Surveyor of the Fabric of St Paul's Cathedral, a role that defined his professional output. His contributions to the cathedral included the design of the marble pulpit, stairs, and choir seats. He oversaw the relocation of the Wellington monument, designed the Wellington tomb within the crypt, and created the memorial for Lord Napier of Magdala. Additionally, he managed the modification of the West entrance steps and directed the excavation of remains from the old cathedral within the churchyard. In 1874, he designed the new premises for the cathedral’s choir school on Carter Lane.
Academic Contributions and Leadership
Beyond his work on St Paul's, Penrose maintained a significant involvement in archaeological research and architectural history. He served as the first Director of the British School at Athens during the periods of 1886-1887 and 1890-1891, having also designed the school's facilities. His academic engagement included authorship of 'An Investigation of the Principles of Athenian Architecture' and research into the orientation of Greek temples. He held the presidency of the Royal Institute of British Architects from 1894 to 1896 and was named architect and antiquary to the Royal Academy in 1898.
Professional Honors and Later Life
Penrose achieved recognition through his election as a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1848 and later as a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was awarded the Royal Gold Medal in 1883 and became a Fellow of Magdalene College in 1884. His Cambridge-based projects included the entrance gate for Magdalene College and the Chapel Court at St John's. Married to Harriette Gibbes in 1856, he resided in the United Kingdom until his death in 1903 at Wimbledon.
Fast facts
- Born: 1817, Bracebridge
- Died: 1903, Wimbledon
- Education: Magdalene College, Bedford Modern School, Bedford School
- Royal Gold Medal: 1883
- Director, British School at Athens: 1886-1887, 1890-1891
- President, Royal Institute of British Architects: 1894-1896
- Fellowships: Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Society, Magdalene College
Questions readers ask
What major architectural discovery is attributed to Penrose?
He was among the first to prove that the Parthenon utilized intentional optical refinements, such as the entasis and curvature of the steps and entablature.
Which roles did Penrose hold at St Paul's Cathedral?
He served as the Surveyor of the Fabric, during which time he designed the choir seats, the marble pulpit, and the Wellington tomb.
Achievements
- Fellow of the Royal Society
- Royal Gold Medal
- Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects
- Trained at Magdalene College and Bedford School
