Samuel Maclure

Samuel Maclure (11 April 1860 – 8 August 1929) was a Canadian architect and artist in British Columbia, Canada, from 1890 to 1920. He was born on 11 April 1860 in Sapperton, New Westminster, British Columbia, to John and Martha Maclure. He studied painting at the Spring Garden Institute in Philadelphia from 1884 to 1885, and he was a self-taught architect. He married Margaret Catherine (Daisy) Simpson, an accomplished pianist and portrait painter, on 10 August 1889.

Career

In 1889, he formed an architectural partnership in New Westminster in association with Charles H. Clow, and then with Richard P. Sharp. In 1892, Maclure moved to Victoria, British Columbia. From 1897 to 1899, he formed an architectural partnership with John Edmeston Parr in Vancouver. From 1905 to 1916, he formed an architectural partnership in Vancouver with Cecil Croker Fox.

Maclure and his wife Daisy were founding members of the Vancouver Island Arts and Crafts Society in 1909. In 1920, the Vancouver office reopened under Maclure's former apprentice, Ross A. Lort, who continued the practice after Maclure's death on 8 August 1929 in Victoria, following a prostate operation.

Notable commissions

Maclure was responsible for over 450 commissions in British Columbia. His first commission, the Temple building for merchant Robert Ward, reflects the Chicago School style.

He was known for Tudorbethan architecture, the American Craftsman Style and, after 1912, Edwardian classicism. His gardens reflected the aesthetic of the English Arts and Crafts Movement. He was a consultant to the Butchart Gardens near Victoria.

According to Maclure biographer Janet Bingham, the architect is also known to have created houses in the United States, but only one is extant - Ramsay House in Ellensburg, WA - an Arts & Crafts style bungalow with Tudor finishes that has changed hands only three times since construction finished in 1905.

Aberthau HouseAlexis Martin HouseVictoria, British Columbia This Tudor Revival house uses the shingle style and half-timber façade treatment.1905Samuel Maclure, architectNichol HouseVancouver, British Columbia This Tudor Revival house uses the shingle style and half-timber façade treatment.1912-13Samuel Maclure, architectBrock House(Thorley Park)3875Point Grey Road in Vancouver, British Columbia.This Tudor Revival house was originally a private residence and at one time a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. This is now a seniors activity centre, Brock House Society and a restaurant open to the public. Brock House Restaurant stages over 200 weddings per year. For more information see the Society's 2012 publication THORLEY PARK TO BROCK HOUSE: From Family Home to Heritage Landmark, 1912 - 2012 Jo Pleshakov, Editor1911Samuel Maclure, architect100px Chalmers Church2801 HemlockThis church is in the Tudor Revival style. 1912 Samuel Buttrey Birds, architect Gabriola(Angus Apartments)1531Davie Street in Vancouver, British Columbia.Gabriola, was built for B.T. Rogers, founder of B.C. Sugar Refining Co. This Queen Anne grand mansion, is located in the Vancouver West End. The building became the Angus Apartments in 1925. It became a restaurant, but it is currently vacant. 1901Samuel Maclure, architect Government House Victoria, British ColumbiaIt was destroyed in 1957.1900-3Samuel Maclure, architect with Francis Mawson RattenburyHatley CastleColwood, British ColumbiaHatley Castle was built as a private residence in the Scottish baronial style for James Dunsmuir. It is now Hatley Park National Historic Site, the location of Royal Roads University (formerly the Royal Roads Military College). 1906–1908Samuel Maclure, architect McDowell, Atkins & Watson Company Building 339 West Hastings Street. Vancouver, British Columbia.This building was built for the McDowell, Atkins & Watson Company but is currently the Cambie Hostel. 1899Samuel Maclure, architect and John Edmeston ParrRalph Block 126 West Hastings Street in Vancouver, British Columbia.1899Samuel Maclure, architect and John Edmeston ParrRosemeade Manor429 Lampson Street, Victoria, British ColumbiaThis Tudor Revival manor was originally built for Yorkshire-born realtor and developer Thomas Harry Slater, who brought over artisans from England and Scotland to work on the project. In the early 1950s the Rosemeade was converted to the Olde English Inn. Faithful replicas of an Elizabethan street, the home of Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage were built on the five acre property.The Rosemeade Manor is now a boutique hotel and wedding venue called The English Inn.1906Samuel Maclure, architectTemple Building Victoria, British ColumbiaThis building for merchant Robert Ward reflects the Chicago School style. 1893Samuel Maclure, architectThomson Block 300 Cambie Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.1898Samuel Maclure, architect and John Edmeston ParrTulk House Rosemary(Order of the Convent of Our Lady of the Cenacle)3689Selkirk Street, Vancouver, British ColumbiaThis Tudor Revival manor was built for whiskey baron & lawyer, Edward Tulk, who name the house after his daughter, Rosemary. It was also home to the Lieutenant Governor of B.C., John William Fordham Johnson. From 1947, the house was owned by the Order of the convent of Our Lady of the Cenacle until 1996, where it was used as a retreat.1915Samual Maclure & Cecil Fox, architects100px100px Biggerstaff Wilson Residence 1770 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, British ColumbiaW. Biggerstaff Wilson commissioned Maclure to design this Elizabethan Revival manor house. Wilson was a son of William Wilson, one of the founders of W. and J. Wilson Clothiers. He reputedly received a large inheritance from a family friend because he was named after him. In 1901, he founded an ice and cold storage business. Dominated by its large hipped roof, this home is considered to be Maclure's most successful Tudor Revival design.1905Samuel Maclure, architect

Legacy His paintings are found in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and in the Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery, University of Victoria. His architectural plans and drawings are held in the University of Victoria Architecture and Special Coll., SC075 (Samuel Maclure fonds).