Richard Gilbert Scott, architect – obituary

The Telegraph’s obituary for Richard Gilbert Scott, titled “Richard Gilbert Scott, architect – obituary,” remembers Scott for his contribution to architecture in Great Britain.

Richard Gilbert Scott

Richard Gilbert Scott died aged 98 on 1 July 2017. He represented the fourth generation of England's greatest architectural dynasty.

His own architectural dynasty is a cause of some controversy. His buildings often bemused and infuriated critics. Richard took over the leadership of the Scott family firm in 1960, following his father’s death. Richard faithfully completed his father’s last church, Christ the King, which set in motion a slight change in his style.

Independent works

In his first independent works, Richard experimented with modernism, a style which his father never fully embraced. Richard’s uncle, Adrian Gilbert Scott, was perhaps a bigger influence for Richard’s modernist style.

The Church of St Thomas More at Sheldon (1968-69) and the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians at Tile Cross (1966-67) are two of Scott’s most striking buildings.

The Telegraph also notes that some of Scott’s most controversial works are now the subject of reassessment in the architectural field. Because although they were unfashionable at the time, they have aged gracefully with a careful blend of form and function. The Church of St Thomas More, for example, has a fan-shaped plan crowned by two fins. These form a fleche at the centre, which is highly unusual.

Scott is survived by his wife Eline, by three daughters and a son.

You can read The Telegraph’s obituary for Richard Gilbert Scott here.