Grant keeps alive legacy of original ‘Restoration Man’

Francis Johnson, who opened his architectural practice in Bridlington in 1937, was known for his traditional, classical approach.

Now a £32,729 award to the University of Hull’s archives means his work can be shared with researchers and historians from around the world.

The documents will join more than one million items in the archive held at Hull History Centre, some of which date back to the 11th century.

Simon Wilson, senior archivist, said: “This archive will be fascinating to anyone with an interest in architecture, especially that of the East and North Yorkshire regions. Thanks to this funding, we will be able to employ an archivist to undertake the cataloguing. We also hope to recruit a small team of volunteers to assist with the project.”

After studying at the Leeds School of Architecture in the 1920s, Mr Johnson, who died in 1995, went on to restore and remodel a large number of historic buildings. He was particularly known for his country houses and designed a sequence of new churches in East Yorkshire and Scarborough.

The archive reflects the range of commissions undertaken by his firm, including private houses, and both new and restoration projects including Hardwick Hall for the National Trust, Maister House, Hull, and Merchant Taylors Hall, York.

The material relates to more than 2,000 projects from 1954 to 1996 and includes sketches, drawings and detailed correspondence.

Francis Johnson & Partners said: “We were delighted to hear that funding had been secured to work on the historical material of one of the leading traditional and classical architects, and look forward to these being made available to the public and for research.

“The legacy of Francis Johnson, the man, is central to the current day work of our practice.

“Programmes like Grand Designs, Restoration Homes and Restoration Man have brought architecture and design into the living room.

“We hope that this material will inspire children, students and the public with an interest in buildings of all shapes and sizes.”