William Turnbull: Architect

Adrian Humphris, Wellington City Archivist, will talk about William Turnbull (1868-1941) architect of the house built for Alexander Turnbull in Bowen Street, Wellington.

William Turnbull — architect of Turnbull House
William Turnbull entered the architectural office of his father Thomas (1825-1907) in 1882 and received a professional education from him. In 1890, William visited Melbourne and Sydney and was engaged in the office of J A Gordon, a Melbourne architect who at that time was engaged in the design of several major commercial buildings including the Melbourne (now Victoria) Markets.

In 1891 William returned to Wellington and was admitted into partnership in the firm of Thomas Turnbull and Son. This was one of the foremost architectural practices in the city at the turn of the century and it continued after Thomas Turnbull’s death in 1907.

In about 1915 the firm was commissioned to build a house and library in Bowen Street, Wellington, for Alexander Turnbull (no relation) which was completed in 1916, and today is managed by Heritage NZ.

A Friends of the Turnbull Library event.

About the speaker:
Adrian Humphris is the Wellington City Archivist, and is the author of many books and articles on NZ architecture. These include Ring around the city: Wellington’s new suburbs 1900-1930 (2009) and Raupo to deco: Wellington styles and architects, 1840-1940 (2014), both with Geoff Mew.

Image: Thomas Turnbull & Son Architects. Residence Bowen Street for A H Turnbull Esq.Signed by Alex H Turnbull Februrary 8th 1916. Ref: Plans-80-0665. Alexander Turnbull Library.