The first edition of A History of Architecture on the Comparative Method, published in 1896, established a foundation for architectural education that persisted throughout the twentieth century. Authored by the London-born architect and his father, this reference work transformed from a handbook into an essential volume for students globally, ultimately reaching its twenty-first edition in 2019 under new editorship.
Architectural Practice and Career
Trained at King's College and University College, Fletcher joined his father's architectural firm in 1884. He attended classes at the Royal Academy Schools, the Architectural Association, and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Upon his father's death in 1899, he assumed control of the practice, renamed Banister Fletcher & Sons, working alongside his younger brother, Herbert Phillips Fletcher. His notable design projects included the Gillette factory on the Great West Road in Brentford, the John Roan School in Greenwich, the Great Hall at King's College School in Wimbledon, and Abbess Grange in Hampshire.
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Fletcher is perhaps best recognized for his comparative method of architectural analysis. His schematic diagram, titled The Tree of Architecture, first appeared as a frontispiece in 1896. The chart traced the evolution of design across cultures, beginning with five foundational periods including Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese and Japanese styles. It concluded with the Modern American style. While his hierarchical focus on Western European traditions later faced academic criticism, the diagram appeared in every subsequent iteration of his textbook.
Legal Expertise and Public Service
Beyond his design work and writing, Fletcher qualified as a barrister at the Inner Temple in 1908, focusing on property advice and arbitrations. He served as Sheriff of the City of London from 1918 to 1919 and received a knighthood in 1919. His leadership roles included serving as President of the Royal Institute of British Architects between 1929 and 1931. Furthermore, he acted as surveyor to the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, eventually serving as Master of the company in 1936.
Personal Life and Bequests
Fletcher married Alice Bretherton in 1914, who collaborated with him on the 1921 revision of his textbook. Following her death in 1932, he married Mary Louise Hazell in 1933. He had no children. Upon his death in 1953, he was interred at Hampstead Cemetery. His will established significant legacies, including the Sir Banister Fletcher Prize and Medal at the Bartlett School of Architecture, an annual lecture at the London Society, and the Banister Fletcher Award for architectural literature.
Fast facts
- Born: 1866, London
- Died: 1953, London
- Education: King's College London
- Professional roles: Architect, barrister
- RIBA Presidency: 1929-1931
- Sheriff of the City of London: 1918-1919
- Burial site: Hampstead Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Did Banister Fletcher design the Gillette factory?
Yes, he designed the Gillette factory located on the Great West Road in Brentford, Middlesex.
Was he solely responsible for A History of Architecture?
No, the first edition was co-authored with his father, and his first wife, Alice Bretherton, later assisted significantly with the 1921 edition.
Achievements
- Trained at King's College London
