Francis Fowke Collection

Royal Albert Hall, 1850-1900. Creator: Unknown
Royal Albert Hall, 1850-1900. [Circular concert hall in South Kensington]. Albumen print, from the album " Views of London"

Captain Fowke, RE, Designer of the Great Exhibition Building (engraving)
1620312 Captain Fowke, RE, Designer of the Great Exhibition Building (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Captain Fowke, RE)

The Ceramic Gallery, South Kensington Museum, c1876, (1881). Creator: John Watkins
The Ceramic Gallery, South Kensington Museum, c1876, (1881). Interior view of the Ceramics Gallery, a tiled and painted room housing the Museums collection of pottery and porcelain

Central or Loan Court, South Kensington Museum, c1860s, (1881). Creator: John Watkins
Central or Loan Court, South Kensington Museum, c1860s, (1881). View of the South Court, a vast two-storey glass roofed gallery, which was considered the centrepiece of the Museum

Design for a ceiling, c1860s, (1881). Creator: Unknown
Design for a ceiling, c1860s, (1881). Decorative design for one of the two staircases leading to the lecture theatre at the South Kensington Museum in London

Central Recess in the Principal Quadrangle, c1860s?, (1881). Creator: John Watkins
Central Recess in the Principal Quadrangle, c1860s?, (1881). View of part of the facade of the Lecture Theatre on the north side of the quadrangle of the South Kensington Museum

The Sheepshanks Gallery, South Kensington Museum, c1860s, (1881). Creator: John Watkins
The Sheepshanks Gallery, South Kensington Museum, c1860s, (1881). Interior view showing exhibition space designed by Captain Francis Fowke

Central Door, South Kensington Museum, c1860s, (1881). Creator: Unknown
Central Door, South Kensington Museum, c1860s, (1881). Original bronze front entrance doors to the South Kensington Museum, (later renamed the Victoria & Albert Museum), in London

Interior of the Albert Hall, c1876. Creator: Unknown
Interior of the Albert Hall, c1876. Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall in South Kensington, designed by civil engineers Francis Fowke and Henry Y. D

The Horticultural Garden and Exhibition Building, c1876. Creator: Unknown
The Horticultural Garden and Exhibition Building, c1876. Garden maintained by the Royal Horticultural Society from 1861 to c1886 on what is now Exhibition road

The International Exhibition of 1862, (c1876). Creator: Unknown
The International Exhibition of 1862, (c1876). The Great London Exposition was a world fair held from 1 May to 1 November 1862 in South Kensington

Romanesque Front of the Natural History Museum, c1935. Creator: Donald McLeish
Romanesque Front of the Natural History Museum, c1935. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London, was designed by Francis Fowke and Alfred Waterhouse and opened in 1881

Aerial view of the Royal Albert Hall, 1939. The Albert Hall, a concert hall seating 8000 people, was named in memory of Prince Albert

Experiments with Captain Fowkes pontoon bridge on the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London, 1860. Francis Fowke (1823-1865) was a British architect

South entrance of the Royal Albert Hall, London, early 20th Century. The Albert Hall, a concert hall seating 8000 people, was named in memory of Prince Albert

Albert Hall, London, 20th Century. The Albert Hall, a concert hall seating 8000 people, was named in memory of Prince Albert

Putting a Good Face On It, 1863. Artist: John Tenniel
Putting a Good Face On It, 1863. Palmerston, (The Plasterer), says: Lor Bless You! A Little Bit O Stucco Will Make It Perfect

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Francis Fowke, a name that resonates with architectural brilliance and innovation, left an indelible mark on the world of design during the late 19th century. As Captain Fowke of the Royal Engineers, he showcased his exceptional talent by creating iconic structures that continue to captivate us today. One such masterpiece is the Royal Albert Hall, an architectural gem constructed between 1850 and 1900. Although its creator remains unknown, it stands as a testament to Fowke's visionary genius. This grand concert hall has become synonymous with elegance and artistic excellence. Fowke's prowess extended beyond this renowned venue; he also designed the Great Exhibition Building. An engraving from that era showcases his meticulous attention to detail in crafting this magnificent structure. It served as a symbol of progress and ingenuity during one of history's most significant exhibitions. His contributions were not limited to exhibition buildings alone; Fowke played a vital role in shaping museums as well. The Ceramic Gallery at South Kensington Museum, captured beautifully by John Watkins in 1876, reflects his ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal seamlessly. The Central or Loan Court within South Kensington Museum further exemplifies Fowke's mastery over space and design elements. Watkins' lens transports us back to the 1860s when visitors would have marveled at this stunning interior arrangement. Fascinatingly intricate designs for ceilings emerged from Fowke's creative mind during the same period. Though their original creators remain unknown, these blueprints showcase his versatility across various architectural elements. Another remarkable creation was the Central Recess in Principal Quadrangle – an enchanting space where art enthusiasts could immerse themselves in beauty curated by Fowke himself. Watkins' photograph allows us a glimpse into this captivating corner frozen in time. The Sheepshanks Gallery within South Kensington Museum serves as yet another testament to Francis Fowke's vision brought to life through Watkins' lens.