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Adolphus Curry – Reappraisal of His Works in Jersey

Part 2 Dissertation 2014
Daniel Goodricke
Northumbria University Newcastle | UK
The dissertation, Adolphus Curry – Reappraisal of His Works, represents the largest single research work in respect of Jersey architect and civil engineer Adolphus Curry (1848 - 1910), described by an earlier commentator as ‘perhaps the most prolific local practitioner’.

The investigation resulted in some 25 additional buildings being attributed to Curry, covering all building typologies from the prominent banks, hotels, retail and public buildings in the town’s commercial centre to the modest cottages, villas and terraces which filled gaps in the town’s plan.

Curry’s works, as was common of Victorian architecture in general, demonstrate an architectural eclecticism from Gothic (English, French and Italian) and Classical (Romanesque, Italian Renaissance, French Second Empire etc).

The outcome of this investigation contributes to the island’s history in what is currently an under-investigated, or even neglected, area of architectural and sociological research.

It is the author’s intention to undertake further academic research into Curry’s lost legacy in collaboration with Société Jersiaise – a learned society founded in 1873 - and Save Jersey’s Heritage. It is hoped that an exhibition of original drawings and models of demolished works will be held for the benefit of the local population, amongst which there is an existing level of interest in his works.

Many of the original hand-drawn plans, elevations and sections are reproduced for the first time following their discovery during the course of the investigation. Thanks go to Société Jersiaise, Jersey Archive and local practices (Richard Le Sueur Architects and Nigel Biggar Architects).


Tutor(s)
Mr Peter Holgate
2014
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