The extension of Brentwood Cathedral in Essex stands as a defining example of the English Baroque style, featuring a portico modelled after Sir Christopher Wren’s design for St Paul’s Cathedral. This prominent structure reflects the career of its creator, who dedicated decades to the advancement of classical and traditional building methods within a predominantly modern architectural climate.
Early Training and Practice
Born in 1937 in Hampstead, John Quinlan Terry attended Bryanston School before continuing his education at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. His professional foundation was established during his time as a pupil of Raymond Erith. Following this apprenticeship, he formed the partnership Erith & Terry, a firm that later became Quinlan Terry Architects LLP. Based in Dedham, Essex, the practice continues the traditionalist approach championed by Erith since 1928, maintaining a staff of twelve to execute high-quality classical projects.
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Terry gained significant notice for his role in the construction of Kings Waldenbury in Hertfordshire, completed in 1971. Throughout the 1980s, he oversaw the interior restoration of 10 Downing Street. His later portfolio includes the Maitland Robinson Library at Downing College, Cambridge, which earned the Building of the Year Award in 1994, and a series of villas in Regent's Park commissioned by the Crown Estate. His diverse projects range from the restoration of St Helen’s Bishopsgate to the design of a private castle on the island of Brecqhou and the development of Queen Mother Square at Poundbury.
Architectural Philosophy and Criticism
A proponent of New Classical architecture, Terry frequently cites the five classical orders as a reflection of divine order. This stance has garnered both support and intense scrutiny. While scholars such as David Watkin and Roger Scruton championed his work as a revival of traditional harmony, critics including the late Gavin Stamp and Jonathan Meades have characterized his designs as derivative. Despite these polarized receptions, he remains a figure of note, having been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015. He retired as senior partner in July 2026, succeeded by Roger Barrell.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Hampstead
- Education: Bryanston School; Architectural Association School of Architecture
- Notable Project: Brentwood Cathedral
- Professional Award: 3rd Annual Driehaus Prize, 2005
- Honour: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), 2015
- Firm Base: Dedham, Essex
- Retirement Date: July 2026
Questions readers ask
Which architect influenced Quinlan Terry’s early career?
He was a pupil of Raymond Erith, with whom he later formed the partnership Erith & Terry.
Did Terry receive any professional recognition for his work?
Yes, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015 and received the 3rd Annual Driehaus Prize in 2005.
Achievements
- Notable work: Brentwood Cathedral
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Trained at Bryanston School and Architectural Association School of Architecture
