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John Sydney Swan

1874 – 1936

New Zealand architect

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About John Sydney Swan

Lived 1874 – 1936 (aged 62). John Sydney Swan was a New Zealand architect.

John Sydney Swan (12 January 1874 – 18 April 1936) (sometimes seen as Sidney) was a New Zealand architect, the designer of houses and churches in Wellington, New Zealand. He was articled to Frederick de Jersey Clere and was at one time a partner with Clere. Buildings he designed include Erskine College and the St Gerard's church section of the St Gerard's Church and Monastery, Our Lady of Compassion Convent, Island Bay (1908-1921) for Suzanne Aubert and various commercial buildings, houses and Wellington Harbour Board buildings.

He was born and died in Wellington. He married Gertrude Mary Holcroft in 1899, they had three sons and one daughter. He built his own home, The Moorings, in Glenbervie Terrace, Thorndon in 1905. The house has nautical themes running throughout, a reflection of his interest in sailing. His younger brother Francis Herbert Swan (1885–1956) also lived in Glenbervie Terrace, and in 1915 they formed an architectural partnership; Swan and Swan; later Swan, Lawrence and Swan with Charles Lawrence. Toward the end of his career Swan formed a partnership with Jim Lavelle as Swan and Lavelle.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
John Swan

People in John Sydney Swan's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

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Frequently asked questions

Who was John Sydney Swan?

New Zealand architect

When was John Sydney Swan born?

John Sydney Swan was born on 12 January 1874.

When did John Sydney Swan die?

John Sydney Swan died on 18 April 1936.

What was John Sydney Swan's occupation?

John Sydney Swan was an architect.

What nationality was John Sydney Swan?

John Sydney Swan was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Sydney Swan

· Wikidata: Q17421936

· DBpedia: John Swan (architect)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Sydney Swan. https://biography.guide/john-sydney-swan/

MLA: "John Sydney Swan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-sydney-swan/.

Chicago: "John Sydney Swan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-sydney-swan/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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