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William Beatson

1807 – 1870

New Zealand architect

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About William Beatson

Lived 1807 – 1870 (aged 62–63). William Beatson was a New Zealand architect.

William Beatson (1807 – 13 January 1870) was a London-trained architect who immigrated to New Zealand. He adapted contemporary English building design to meet the rigors of the New Zealand environment.

Early life

William Beatson was born 8 September 1807 in Kent, England, the son of David Beatson, a Rotherhithe shipbreaker. Beatson's family was upper-class with his grandfather being laird of Kilrie, Fife County. Beatson attended either Eton College or King's College London. Beatson apprenticed with Wallen's firm in the late 1820s and by 1836 was a partner in the firm. Beatson's time in the firm likely influenced his architectural philosophy. Beatson was admitted to the Royal Academy in 1832 following a recommendation from Wallen. His time at the academy would have given him a deeper appreciation of the Classical and Gothic architecture. He also designed several commercial buildings; his first project being a warehouse and offices for Morrison and Sclanders in Hardy Street (1863). Beatson's commercial buildings reflected a familiarity with the Italianate style that he acquired while working with Wallen.

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Important facts

Born
1807
Birth century
Died
1870
Occupation
Nationality
Education
King's College London

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Beatson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Beatson?

New Zealand architect (1807-1870)

When was William Beatson born?

William Beatson was born in 1807.

When did William Beatson die?

William Beatson died in 1870.

What was William Beatson's occupation?

William Beatson was an architect.

What nationality was William Beatson?

William Beatson was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Beatson

· Wikidata: Q20989118

· DBpedia: William Beatson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Beatson. https://biography.guide/william-beatson/

MLA: "William Beatson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-beatson/.

Chicago: "William Beatson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-beatson/.

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