Edwin Rickards

Edwin Rickards was an Edwardian architect known for his flamboyant designs and unique combination of French and Austrian sources. He completed four spectacular baroque buildings and designed two of the major monuments of the period. This book portrays his close friendship with novelist Arnold Bennett and his meteoric career that ended with his early death.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Historic England

Edwin Rickards, a prominent architect of the Edwardian era, left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape with his flamboyant and audacious designs. Renowned for his unique blend of French and Austrian influences, Rickards embarked on a remarkable career at the tender age of 25, securing victory in the competition to design Cardiff City Hall alongside his partners H.V. Lanchester and James Stewart. Over a brief but prolific period, he completed four awe-inspiring baroque buildings that showcased his exceptional talent.

Rickards' work stood out in the realm of Edwardian architecture for its distinctive fusion of French and Austrian sources. He collaborated closely with H.C. Fehr and Henry Poole, prominent figures in the New Sculpture movement, resulting in the creation of two significant monuments that defined the era. In addition to his architectural prowess, Rickards was also a skilled caricaturist, showcasing his artistic versatility. With a touch of glamour and a zest for adventure, he inhabited the demi-monde, captivating those around him with his larger-than-life personality.

This captivating book, meticulously illustrated with stunning new photography by Robin Forster and featuring Rickards' own sketches and drawings, delves into the life and career of this unforgettable figure. It explores his close friendship with the renowned novelist Arnold Bennett, who regarded him alongside H.G. Wells as one of the most intriguing, provocative, and stimulating men he had ever encountered. The book also sheds light on Rickards' meteoric rise to fame, tragically cut short by his premature death.

Through its vivid storytelling and comprehensive visual documentation, Edwin Rickards: The Flamboyant Architect of the Edwardian Era offers a captivating glimpse into the life and work of a truly remarkable individual.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 170 x 240 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837645077