Cecil Brewer (1871–1918)
Cecil Claude Brewer was born in 1871 and attended Clifton College for a brief period in 1889.
He apprenticed to F.T. Baggallay between 1890 and 1893 while continuing his studies. He attended the University College in London where he received the Donaldson Medal in 1890. From 1891 to 1893 he attended the Architectural Association. From 1893 to 1898 he studied at the Royal Academy Schools where he won the Gold Medal and Travelling Studentship. In this time, he met Arnold Smith. With him, he formed a partnership in London in 1895, establishing a reputation as arts and crafts architects working in the so-called "Free Style" of the 1890s. Brewer also served on the Art Workers Guild Committee from 1906 to 1907 and was one of the founding leaders of the Design and Industries Association. He also travelled in France, England, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands. Brewer's interest in the Arts and Crafts movement led him to attend the Werkbund exhibition in Cologne. After Brewer's death in 1918, Smith continued the work of the firm and designed many houses as well as additions to the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Important works by Cecil Brewer
- Heal's Furniture Store
- Cathays Park, Cardiff
- National Museum of Wales, Cardiff
Awards for Cecil Brewer
- Donaldson Medal, 1890
- Competition for the National Museum of Wales, 1910