David Laing (19th century architect)
Encyclopedia
David Laing was a British architect principally known as the architect
of the New Custom House in London
, which was completed in 1817 and collapsed in 1825. Assisted by a young William Tite
, he also rebuilt the church of St Dunstan-in-the-East
between 1817 and 1821.
. He set up his own architectural practice in 1796, initially designing private houses. in 1810 he published a book of his designs, entitled Hints for Dwellings, Consisting of Original Designs for Cottages, Farm Houses, Villas, etc., which sold well enough to be reprinted several times.
In 1810 he was appointed Surveyor to the Customs, and designed the new customs house at Plymouth. Two years later he was asked to produce plans for a new custom house in London, replacing the old building of 1718. His first suggestions were rejected, so he produced a simpler scheme, for a massive rectangular block. Laing estimated the cost at £209,000, but the contract was won by Miles and Peto, with a tender of only £165,000. During construction, costs escalated, and there were disputes between Laing and the contractors. In 1818 Laing published a book of plans and drawings which included details of the problems he had encountered in laying the foundations of the New Custom House. The foundations proved inadequate: in 1820, cracks appeared in the vault of the king's warehouse in the central section of the block, and four years later the facade of the long room above it collapsed, followed by the warehouse vaults themselves and the long room floor. Sir Robert Smirke
, called in to investigate reported that the work paid for had not been done to specification. The facade was rebuilt to Smirke's own design with new foundations.
After the collapse of the New Custom House Laing was suspended from his post as Architect & Surveyor of the Board of Customs, and his practice was ruined.
His other works included the rebuilding of St Dunstan-in-the-East
, the Corn Market at Colchester and, after his dismissal from the post with the customs, Lexden Park, and the Royal Universal Infirmary for Children, Waterloo Road, London.
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
of the New Custom House in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, which was completed in 1817 and collapsed in 1825. Assisted by a young William Tite
William Tite
Sir William Tite, CB was an English architect who served as President of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He was particularly associated with various London buildings, with railway stations and cemetery projects....
, he also rebuilt the church of St Dunstan-in-the-East
St Dunstan-in-the-East
St Dunstan-in-the-East was a Church of England parish church on St Dunstan's Hill, half way between London Bridge and the Tower of London in the City of London. The church was largely destroyed in the Second World War and the ruins are now a public garden....
between 1817 and 1821.
Life
David Laing was born in London and baptised in the church of St Dunstan-in-the-East in March 1775. In 1790 he was articled to the architect John SoaneJohn Soane
Sir John Soane, RA was an English architect who specialised in the Neo-Classical style. His architectural works are distinguished by their clean lines, massing of simple form, decisive detailing, careful proportions and skilful use of light sources...
. He set up his own architectural practice in 1796, initially designing private houses. in 1810 he published a book of his designs, entitled Hints for Dwellings, Consisting of Original Designs for Cottages, Farm Houses, Villas, etc., which sold well enough to be reprinted several times.
In 1810 he was appointed Surveyor to the Customs, and designed the new customs house at Plymouth. Two years later he was asked to produce plans for a new custom house in London, replacing the old building of 1718. His first suggestions were rejected, so he produced a simpler scheme, for a massive rectangular block. Laing estimated the cost at £209,000, but the contract was won by Miles and Peto, with a tender of only £165,000. During construction, costs escalated, and there were disputes between Laing and the contractors. In 1818 Laing published a book of plans and drawings which included details of the problems he had encountered in laying the foundations of the New Custom House. The foundations proved inadequate: in 1820, cracks appeared in the vault of the king's warehouse in the central section of the block, and four years later the facade of the long room above it collapsed, followed by the warehouse vaults themselves and the long room floor. Sir Robert Smirke
Robert Smirke
Robert Smirke may refer to:* Robert Smirke , 18th/19th century English painter* Robert Smirke , son of the painter, 19th century English architect...
, called in to investigate reported that the work paid for had not been done to specification. The facade was rebuilt to Smirke's own design with new foundations.
After the collapse of the New Custom House Laing was suspended from his post as Architect & Surveyor of the Board of Customs, and his practice was ruined.
His other works included the rebuilding of St Dunstan-in-the-East
St Dunstan-in-the-East
St Dunstan-in-the-East was a Church of England parish church on St Dunstan's Hill, half way between London Bridge and the Tower of London in the City of London. The church was largely destroyed in the Second World War and the ruins are now a public garden....
, the Corn Market at Colchester and, after his dismissal from the post with the customs, Lexden Park, and the Royal Universal Infirmary for Children, Waterloo Road, London.