Explore: Thomas Allom

(1804 - 1872)

Thomas Allom was born in Lambeth; the son of a coachman. He was apprenticed to architect F. Goodwin and studied at the Royal Academy Schools. He was a founder member of the Institute of British Architects (1834) and later a fellow (1860). From 1828 to 1845 he produced some 1500 topographical designs for engravings after sketching tours in England, Scotland, France, Belgium and Turkey. He was also a lithographer and painted architectural perspectives. Allom exhibited at the Society of British Artists and Royal Academy (1824-71). He returned to architecture from 1840 and his designs include Christchurch, Highbury (1847-48), St Peter’s Church, Kensington (1855-57) and the William Brown Library, Liverpool (1857-60). He died in Barnes, aged 68.