Owen Williams
born 20th March 1890 at 16 Caroline Terrace, 145 St Ann's Road, Tottenham, London, UK
died 23rd May 1969 at West Hertfordshire Hospital, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK
era Modern
died 23rd May 1969 at West Hertfordshire Hospital, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK
era Modern
Written and edited by Leonie Gombrich
Sir Evan Owen Williams is Britain's most significant innovator in the early use of structural concrete and a pioneer in the development of concrete architecture. Equally well known for his architecture as his engineering, he believed that the two disciplines would and must become inseparable. It is ironic, therefore, that his work was influential in the establishment of structural engineering as a profession in its own right.
The final decades of his life were devoted to the implementation of Britain's long-planned motorway system — work carried on by his son and partner, Owen Tudor Williams, after his death.
An extraordinary career, encompassing the design of buildings, boats, bridges, roads and even aircraft, has led to comparisons with the great engineers of the Georgian and Victorian eras. Although absolutely a man of his time in terms of his outlook and aesthetic, for his bold inventiveness, energy of execution and impact on the national landscape, Williams is indeed a fitting heir to Telford, the Stephensons and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
introduction •
early life & education •
getting to know concrete: 1911-1918 •
building bridges: the 1920s •
building buildings: the 1930s •
M1 and beyond •
the man behind the concrete •
selected works •
sources
