Edwin Lutyens

Date of Birth: March 29, 1869

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: January 1, 1944

Biography

Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens was one of the most prominent British architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in London, Lutyens is renowned for his imaginative adaptation of traditional architectural styles to the requirements of his era. He played a significant role in designing New Delhi, the new capital of British India, including the iconic Viceroy’s House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan). Lutyens also designed numerous country houses, war memorials, and public buildings, reflecting his versatile talent and attention to detail. His work is characterized by a blend of classical and modern styles, which has left a lasting impact on architecture worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Edwin Lutyens

1. Edwin Lutyens was named after the painter and sculptor Edwin Landseer, who was a friend of his father.

2. He was a key figure in the design and planning of New Delhi, working closely with Sir Herbert Baker.

3. Lutyens received the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture in 1921 and was knighted in 1918.

4. He designed the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, which is the focal point for the UK’s annual Remembrance Sunday services.

5. Lutyens was a founding member of the Imperial War Graves Commission (now the Commonwealth War Graves Commission) and designed numerous war cemeteries and memorials.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edwin Lutyens

1. “Architecture aims at Eternity.”

2. “In architecture, as in all the arts, the idea is to create a harmony between the form and the function.”

3. “Every architect carries the ruins of his last building with him.”

4. “There will never be great architects or great architecture without great patrons.”

5. “A house should be a synthesis of comfort, practicality, and beauty.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Sir Edwin Lutyens’ net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million pounds in today’s currency, though exact figures from his time period are not readily available.

Children

Edwin Lutyens had five children with his wife, Lady Emily Bulwer-Lytton: Barbara Lutyens, Robert Lutyens, Elisabeth Lutyens, Mary Lutyens, and Ursula Lutyens. His daughter Elisabeth became a renowned composer, and his daughter Mary was a well-known author and biographer.