Posted on 25th May
One of the 18th Century’s finest neoclassical architects, John Carr of York made an important imprint on Britain’s heritage — including building Newark Town Hall.
The hundreds of great houses, churches and public buildings he created in the 1700s were the style statements of their day and many still stand proudly on the 300th anniversary of his birth.
Newark Town Hall was built by John Carr in 1776 and to celebrate the architect’s achievements and encourage future talent, Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council are teaming up with nationwide architects Donald Insall Associates for the John Carr 300 Challenge.
Schools in Newark and Sherwood are being invited to create lessons around Carr’s life and encourage students to fill in the blank of an architectural drawing of Newark Town Hall with their own design.
Matt Lamb, director of Growth and Regeneration at the district council, said: “This is such a brilliant opportunity for schoolchildren to let their creative juices flow whilst also learning the architectural history of such an important building in Newark and the importance of preserving it for future generations. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!”
“We want budding designers and architects of the future to let their imaginations run riot and create something exciting to go in its place. It could be strikingly modern or influenced by architecture of the past; the choice is theirs,” said Matthew Gleadell, Newark Town Council clerk.
Schools in the area can sign up for the John Carr 300 Challenge by emailing [email protected]. The deadline for entries is 30th June.
Guy Taylor Associates, an award-winning architecture studio located in Newark, is sponsoring the prizes, which includes a Lego kit for first place and a prize for runners-up in each age category.
A display of the entries will also be curated in the Town Hall ballroom during the national Heritage Open Days festival in September.
Donald Insalls’ architects will be working with each site to choose winners from Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 at the end of June.
Tony Barton, chairman of Donald Insall Associates, said: “Wouldn’t it be marvellous if this project inspires only one young person to train as a conservation architect, who works with us in the future, especially on a John Carr building.”
Image: © National Portrait Gallery, London – John Carr by Sir William Beechey.
