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Charles AshbeeEnglish architect and public figure
Date of Birth: 17.05.1863
Country:  Great Britain |
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Biography of Charles Robert Ashbee
Charles Robert Ashbee was an English architect and designer, best known for his work in metal and as the founder of the Guild of Handicraft, one of the most interesting experimental workshops within the Arts and Crafts movement. He was born in 1863.
Architectural Career
Ashbee built around 60 residential houses, with his best works concentrated in London on Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, and Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. In the 1880s, he founded the Guild and School of Handicraft in East End. In the 1890s, his focus shifted primarily towards designing house facades in Chelsea. His designs showcased a variety of roofs, dormers, window placements, and overall facade organization. Ashbee drew inspiration from traditional English rural architecture, aiming to preserve the essence of the countryside in urban areas.
The Guild of Handicraft
In 1902, Ashbee relocated the Guild of Handicraft from London to Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. Over the course of five years, he led restoration projects and new constructions. The most remarkable work during this period was the Norman Chapel (1907) in Broad Campden on the outskirts of the town. Ashbee discovered a dilapidated chapel from around 1100 AD with later additions, and he added a wing to it while reconstructing the entire structure.
Legacy
Ashbee belongs to the group of talented craftsmen at the turn of the century whose simple and functional works paved the way for innovations in the 20th century. His contributions to architecture and design continue to inspire artists and artisans today.
