Sharpe, Paley and Austin

For lists of works by the practice in its various phases see Lists of works by Sharpe, Paley and Austin

Sharpe, Paley and Austin were the surnames of five architects who worked either alone or in partnerships in one practice in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. They were Edmund Sharpe (1809–77), Edward Paley (1823–95), Hubert Austin (1845–1915), Henry Paley (1859–1946) and Geoffrey L. Austin.

Pevsner states "this Lancaster dynasty of architects did more work in the county, and for a time more outstanding work, than any other".

The firm practised under the following titles.

Edmund Sharpe, Architect

Sharpe started the practice in 1836 and practiced as the principal until he was joined by Edward Paley in 1845.

Sharpe and Paley, Architects

Edward Paley became a partner in 1845 and the partnership continued until Sharpe retired in 1851.

E. G. Paley

Edward Paley then continued as the principal until he was joined by Hubert Austin in 1868.

Paley and Austin

Hubert Austin became a partner in 1868. According to Pevsner, "it was Austin, it seems, who was responsible for the firm's masterpieces". This partnership continued until they were joined by Edward Paley's son, Henry in 1886.

Paley, Austin and Paley

Henry Paley became a partner in 1886 and this partnership continued until Edward Paley died in 1895.

Austin and Paley (1895–1914)

The firm used the title of Austin and Paley until Henry Austin's son, Geoffrey, joined in 1914.

Austin, Paley and Austin

In practice this was a short-lived partnership because Hubert Austin died in 1915, while Geoffrey Austin was on active service in the First World War. After the war Geoffrey Austin did not return to the practice which was run by Henry Paley as the sole partner, although he continued with the names of the former three partners until about 1925.

Austin and Paley (1925–1944)

Henry Paley reverted to the title of Austin and Paley about 1925 and he continued to work in the practice until he retired in 1936. The practice continued under this title until about 1944 when it was wound up.

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Price, James (1998), Sharpe, Paley and Austin: a Lancaster architectural practice 1836–1942, Lancaster: Centre for North-West Regional Studies, ISBN 1-86220-054-8 
• Pevsner, Nikolaus (2002) [1969], The Buildings of England: North Lancashire, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, ISBN 0 300 09617 8 

Further reading

• Brandwood, Geoff (2009) "Splendour in the north: the churches of Paley and Austin", in: Ferry, Kathryn, ed. Powerhouses of Provincial Architecture, 1837-1914. London: Victorian Society; pp. 84-101