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Lawrence Weaver is best remembered as a critic, journalist, and champion of many country-house architects of his time, including Edwin Lutyens and Robert Lorimer. Surveying some 20 books and more than 500 articles he wrote, this book offers a rich portrait of a remarkably able and charismatic man, illustrating his wide-ranging career and the famous and talented professional and social circles he moved in.
It traces Weaver’s journey from travelling salesman to antiquarian historian and author on leadwork, to architectural editor of Country Life from 1909 until 1917. His publications, on country houses, old, restored and new, also included studies of memorials and modern cottage design, establishing him as an exponent and champion of Arts & Crafts architectural styles and guardian of what he regarded as fine examples of the best buildings of the past.
Weaver’s career and interests were broad and widely influential: leaving Country Life he took on leading roles in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Design and Industries Association, Ashtead Potteries, the Rural Industries Bureau, and the British Empire Exhibition. In all these activities the principles and ideals of the Arts & Crafts Movement – fitness of design for purpose and fine craftsmanship – which had inspired his earlier interests defined his outlook.
The book concludes with a critical appraisal by Timothy Brittain-Catlin that sets Weaver within the broader context of architectural criticism, comparing his approach to that of A.W.N. Pugin, J.C. Loudon and H. Avray-Tipping.
