Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel (1887-1959)

Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel (1887-1959) studied music at Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1913 he inherited the large Surrey estate of Hatchlands at East Clandon,as well as family properties in Brighton and France,where he had spent part of his childhood. He was interested in architecture from an early age and by seventeen had designed estate cottages for members of his family. Although largely self-taught as an architect, in 1909 he briefly trained in the office of Sir Charles Nicholson, setting up his own architectural practice at the age of 23. His company had offices in England and France and his buildings were influenced by the architecture of both countries. His designs for churches are thought to be the most successful of his output. Goodhart-Rendel was well known as a public speaker and critic. His particular area of expertise was nineteenth century architecture and architects, and he was a witty and popular speaker on the subject, his lectures being published as articles. In 1936 he was appointed Director of the Architectural Association School of Architecture, in 1937 he became President of the RIBA, and he was appointed CBE in 1955 for services to architectural criticism.