Giles Gilbert Scott

Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (November 9, 1880—February 8, 1960) was an English architect known for his work on such buildings as Liverpool Cathedral and Battersea Power Station. He came from a family of famous architects, being the son of George Gilbert Scott (junior), grandson of Sir George Gilbert Scott, nephew of John Oldrid Scott, and brother of Adrian Gilbert Scott. Scott was noted for his blending of Gothic tradition with modernism, making what might have been functionally designed buildings into popular landmarks.

Professional recognition

The early 1930s were a time when Scott's reputation was the highest and he was chosen as President of the Royal Institute of British Architects for 1933, its centenary year. In his inaugural address he criticised both the diehard traditionalist and the diehard modernist, calling for a 'middle line' in which architects accepted new methods of construction while seeking to always place the human element in architecture.

Related Topics:
Royal Institute of British Architects - 1933

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Scott's search for the 'middle line' caused him difficulties when he was appointed as architect for the new Coventry Cathedral in 1942. Pressured by the new Bishop of Coventry for a modern design and by the Royal Fine Arts Commission for a recreation of the old cathedral, he was criticised for trying to compromise between the two and designing a building that was neither fish nor fowl. Unable to reconcile these differences Scott resigned in 1947; a competition was held and won by Sir Basil Spence with an uncompromisingly modern design.

Related Topics:
Coventry Cathedral - 1942 - 1947 - Basil Spence

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After the House of Commons was destroyed by bombs in 1941, Scott was appointed in 1944 to rebuild it. Here he was hemmed in entirely by the surviving building, but was entirely of the view that the new chamber should be congruent with the old as anything else would clash with the Gothic style of Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. This view found favour with Winston Churchill who observed "We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us." In a debate on January 25, 1945 the House of Commons approved his choice by 121 to 21 on a free vote.

Related Topics:
House of Commons - 1941 - 1944 - Charles Barry - Augustus Pugin - Winston Churchill - January 25 - 1945

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