Joseph Potter (architect)
Joseph Potter (1756–1842), was an English architect and builder from Lichfield, Staffordshire in the United Kingdom. Potter has a considerable practice in Staffordshire and its neighbouring counties in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Potter lived in Pipehill south west of Lichfield and had his office in St Johns Street. Joseph Potter's son Joseph Potter Jnr. took over his father's practice after his death and went on to design many of his own buildings in the late nineteenth century.
Biography
Early in Joseph Potters career as an architect, he was employed by James Wyatt (a prominent architect at the time) to supervise the alterations to Lichfield Cathedral in 1788–93 and Hereford Cathedral on 1790–93. In this period he also worked under Wyatt in the repair to St Michael's Church, Coventry (now St Michael's Cathedral) in 1794 and the rebuilding of Plas Newydd, Anglesey for the 1st Marquess of Anglesey. At Plas Newydd it is thought Potter is solely responsible for the design and build of the gothic chapel.[1]
Potter became the established architect at Lichfield Cathedral, overseeing repairs to the south west spire in 1794. The restoration of the vaults in the north trancept in 1795–97 and restoration of the west face of the cathedral in 1820–22. Potter was the county surveyor of Staffordshire for 45 years until his death in 1842. Potter was also an engineer for the Grand Trunk Canal Company.[1]
Potter had three sons who all carried on the family profession. Robert Potter (c. 1795–1854) was the eldest son, he became an architect and went on to design numerous buildings. Joseph Potter Jnr. (c. 1797–1875) took over his fathers practice after his death and went on to design many buildings including the Guildhall and Clock Tower in Lichfield. James Potter (c. 1801–1857) the youngest son became a civil engineer working mainly on canals and railways. Other architects Thomas Johnson and James Fowler of Louth were pupils of Joseph Potter and were influenced by his methods.[1]
List of Architectural Works
- 1788–93 – Lichfield Cathedral (restorations with James Wyatt)
- 1790–93 – Hereford Cathedral (restorations with James Wyatt)
- 1793 – The Old Vicarage, Hanbury, Staffordshire
- 1794 – Lichfield Cathedral (repairs to south west spire)
- 1794 – St Michael's Church (now Cathedral) Coventry, (repaired tower with James Wyatt)
- 1795–97 – Lichfield Cathedral (restoration of vaults in north transept)
- 1795–1823 – Plas Newydd, Anglesey (with James Wyatt, solely responsible for gothic chapel)
- 1800-2 – Newton's College, Lichfield[2]
- 1802 – Judge's House, County Buildings, Stafford[3]
- 1816 – Causeway Bridge, Bird Street, Lichfield[4]
- 1818 – School House, Market Place, Penkridge[5]
- 1818 – St Michael's Church (now Cathedral), Coventry (restoration)
- 1818 – Staffordshire General Lunatic Asylum, Stafford[6]
- 1819–20 – Christ Church, Burntwood[7]
- 1820–22 – Lichfield Cathedral (restoration to west front)
- 1822 – Caernarfon Baths & Assembly Rooms (now part of Bangor University)
- 1824 – Chetwynd Bridge, Alrewas[8]
- 1826–27 – Freeford Hall, nr Lichfield, (enlarged for William Dyott)
- 1826–29 – St Mary's Church, Sheffield
- 1826–31 – Beaudesert House (alterations to gothic hall)
- 1829–30 – High Bridge, Armitage
- 1829–30 – St John Baptist Church, Tamworth
- 1832 – Sts Peter & Paul Church, Newport
- 1833–34 – Wadsley Church, Sheffield[9]
- 1835 – Holy Cross Church, Lichfield[10]
- 1835–38 – St Mary's RC College, New Oscott[1]
Gallery
| Buildings and Structures designed by Joseph Potter Snr. |
|---|
| Newton's College, Lichfield |
| Wadsley Church, Sheffield |
| St Mary's College, Oscott |
|
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 Colvin, H. (1997), A Biographical Dictionary of English Architects, 1600–1840 (Revised 3rd ed.), Yale University Press, ISBN 978-0-300-07207-5
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
- ↑ English Heritage: Images of England, retrieved 26 January 2011
