Thomas Donaldson (architect)

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Thomas Leverton Donaldson (1795 - 1885) was a British architect, particularly of churches.

[edit] Early life

He was born in London, the eldest son of James Donaldson, an architect and district surveyor. After leaving school, Thomas travelled to the Cape of Good Hope and worked as a clerk in the office of a merchant. In 1810 he went as a volunteer in an expedition to attack the French in the island of Mauritius.

[edit] Career

Donaldson then returned home to study architecture in his father's office and at the Academy schools. During an extensive tour in Italy and Greece he acquired skills and experience.

Donaldson's first important work was the church of Holy Trinity in South Kensington, London, built in 1826-1829. In 1841 he was appointed the first Professor of Architecture at University College London, a post he held till 1865. Donaldson was a pioneer in the academic study of architecture, as well as an excellent draughtsman and writer on architecture.

Among other structures, he designed University Hall in Gordon Square and All Saints' Church in Gordon Street, London. He played a leading part in the foundation of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Donaldson died in London in 1885, and is buried in Brompton Cemetery, London.[1]