William Turnbull (New Zealand architect)

William Turnbull (1868 – 22 June 1941) was an architect based in Wellington, New Zealand. He was the fourth and youngest son of architect Thomas Turnbull.[1] He joined his father's practice in 1882 and became a partner in 1891.[2] He was born in San Francisco where his father was working at the time.[3] He moved to New Zealand with his family in 1871.[3] In his younger years, he played rugby union at Poneke Football Club in Kilbirnie.[4]

William Turnbull
Born1868
San Francisco, United States of America
Died22 June 1941 (aged 73)
Wellington, New Zealand
OccupationArchitect
ParentThomas Turnbull
PracticeThomas Turnbull & Son
ProjectsAntrim House
Henry Pollen House
Turnbull House

Turnbull designed a large house including three rooms to hold a library for bibliophile Alexander Turnbull (no relation) in 1914. The outbreak of World War I caused the construction to be delayed until late 1915, with Alexander Turnbull moving in the following year. Turnbull House was used as a library until 1973, and the collection formed the nucleus of the national library collection.[5] Turnbull House is listed by Heritage New Zealand as a Category I heritage building.[6]

Turnbull moved to his son's house in Willis Street when he was old, and he died there on 22 June 1941,[7] aged 73.[4] He was buried at Karori Cemetery.[8] His wife had died 18 months before him. He was survived by four sons and four daughters.[4]

Gallery of his work edit

References edit

  1. ^ Cochran, Chris. "Thomas Turnbull". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  2. ^ Brodie, Antonia; Library, British Architectural; Architects, Royal Institute of British (20 December 2001). Directory of British Architects, 1834-1914: Vol. 2 (L-Z). A&C Black. ISBN 9780826455147.
  3. ^ a b "Municipal, Professional, And Commercial | NZETC". nzetc.victoria.ac.nz. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  4. ^ a b c "Obituary". The Evening Post. Vol. CXXXI, no. 146. 23 June 1941. p. 9. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  5. ^ "Turnbull House". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  6. ^ "Turnbull House". New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  7. ^ "Deaths". The Evening Post. Vol. CXXXI, no. 146. 23 June 1941. p. 1. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  8. ^ "Cemeteries search". Wellington City Council. 12 July 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2016.