Joshua Charlesworth

Joshua Charlesworth (1860–1925) was a New Zealand architect who specialised in neo-classical architecture. Charlesworth trained as an architect in Yorkshire before immigrating to New Zealand at 19 years of age. Despite being recognised for his talent and winning several design competitions he initially struggled to gain employment due to his young age and lack of experience. Charlesworth's most notable works are the Wellington Town Hall and the several Bank of New Zealand buildings he designed. Many of Charlesworth's surviving works are registered with Heritage New Zealand.

Early life Joshua Charlesworth was born in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England, in 1860. Charlesworth apprenticed to Stead Ellis, based in Batley, with whom he emigrated to New Zealand with aboard the Euterpe in 1879. Aboard the Euterpe Ellis produced the Euterpe Times and Charlesworth wrote the paper in longhand. The pair arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand 24 December 1879 and swiftly parted ways. (The decision to split was amicable and Charlesworth had great respect for Ellis, as evidenced by naming his eldest son after him.) Architectural career Charlesworth moved to Timaru where he worked as a draughtsman for Frank Wilson (father of Gordon Wilson. The 1885–1886 edition of Wise's Directory Charlesworth was recorded as being based in Queen Street, Auckland and in the subsequent edition he was listed as being in Devonport. Charlesworth struggled to gain architectural employment in Auckland mainly working as a draughtsman for other architects, this was despite his talent and strong placements in design competitions.

By 1890 Charlesworth was not listed in New Zealand; he had left for Australia in 1888 due to lack of available work arising from the Long Depression. Tender notices show Charlesworth working with Frank Wilson in Melbourne. Designed an extension of an existing building. Scheduled with the Victorian Heritage Register Won a design competition for the town hall. Registered as a category 1 building with Heritage New Zealand Registered as a category 2 building with Heritage New Zealand. Only the facade remains and some ornate detailing has been lost Significantly enlarged and altered an existing building. Registered as a category 1 building with Heritage New Zealand Clocktower, pediments, and parapet removed. Registered as a category 2 building with Heritage New Zealand Significantly enlarged and altered an existing building. Registered as a category 1 building with Heritage New Zealand

Only facade remains. Scheduled with the Wellington City Council

Parapet and other detailings removed at some point. Registered as a category 1 building with Heritage New Zealand Registered as a category 2 building with Heritage New Zealand. Possibly designed by Charlesworth