Architecture and Building

Progress, Volume VI, Issue 1, 1 November 1910, Page 450

Architecture and Building

Royal Institute of British Architects,

What is A.R.1.8.A. —what its alms are—what it doesand what it is trying to do.

Basil Hooper, A.R.1.8.A.

Bead before the Otago Branch of N.Z. Institute of Architects, Sept. 19, 1910.

Before the Institute was founded, there had existed what was known as the Architectural Society, but it was felt that a more influencial institution was needed, and therefore a meeting of the founders of the Institute was held in the "Thatched House Tavern," in London, on 2nd July, 1834, and was attended by several notable architects, among whom were such wellknown names as Barry, Gwilt, Parker, etc. An endeavour was made to induce architects of prominent position, and who were not connected with trade in any way (as was too often the case in those times) to give their support, and at subsequent meetings, members were enrolled, and the council elected, with Earl de Grey as President. The opening general meeting of the Institute was held on 15th June, 1835, almost a year after its inception.

In 1837, the Royal Charter was granted by King William IV., and in the same year Queen Victoria became patron, being associated later with the Prince Consort, who, as is well known, always evinced a great interest in architecture, showing it in one way by going so far as to take the chair at one of the general meetings.

A further mark of the Royal favour was the foundation of . the "Royal Gold Medal," since annually conferred by the Sovereign on some distinguished architect, or man of science or letters, on the recommendation of the Institute. Also in 1866 the Royal command was issued that the Institute should thenceforth be styled the "Royal" Institute of British Architects.

The late King Edward VII. was patron during his reign, and no doubt our present King George will take up the office and interests of his father. • it is interesting to notice, that not until 1887, did the Institute obtain powers, by a Supplemental Charter, to hold exams, and issue Certificates of Diplomas.

So much for the earlier history of the Institute, but what is also an important part of its history, although quite recent, is that, at the close of 1908, a new Supplemental Charter was Granted 'nrnvirii'np' among other matters, for a new class of members, termed Licentiates. This leads to a statement and definition of the different classes of members, viz.:—

1. Fellows, who must be architects of at least 30 years of age ; and have been principals for at least 7 successive years.

These are elected by the Council either from the body of associates, or the Council has power to elect as Fellow an architect (with the above qualifications) who has shown himself worthy, by doing notable and important architectural work. 2. Associates, who are persons engaged in the study or practice of architecture, Who have attained the age of 21 years. All candidates for this class must pass a qualifying exam., or exams. 3. Honorary Associates, who are not engaged in architecture as a profession, but who by reason of their eminence in architecture, art, science, or literature, are likely to be of assistance in promoting the interests of the Institute.

4. Honorary Fellows, who shall be members of the Royal Family, or other illustrious or distinguished persons. 5. Honorary Corresponding Members These must not be British subjects, nor residing within either the United Kingdom or any dependency, but who, by reason of their eminence as architects, scientists, etc., may appear to the Council to be of assistance to the Institute.

6. Licentiates, who are, as before mentioned, a new class. They must be architects of at least 30 years of age, and have either been in practise as principals for at least five successive years, or have been engaged for ten successive years in the practice or study of architecture. No person shall be elected a Licentiate after March, 1911. He is not to have any claim against the property of the Institute, nor to vote at any meetings, and various other small disabilities.

The object of the creation of this last class, is, as far as possible, to gather the majority of practising architects into the folds of the Institute, and that having been accomplished, it is felt that the Institute will be in a position to go to Parliament, and get a Bill passed, which will give the profession a defined legal standing, which at present, as we all know, we really do not possess. It was felt that it was impossible to gain the membership of most of the outside architects as associates or Fellows, as comparatively few men who have reached the age of 30 years, could find time to study for the examinations, even though they might wish to do so. Therefore this method of joining seemed the only way possible, and so far, it appears to have been most successful, as according to a recent copy of "The Builder," applications for membership as Licentiates were being received at the rate of 50 per day. By this means we hope in time to be in a position similar to the medical or legal professions, and gradually the public may become accustomed to the idea that it is not wise to consult a

person about architectural work, unless he be legally qualified to style himself architect.

Concerning the different classes of members, it may interest some of you to know

the amounts of the entrance fees and annual subscriptions, as possibly you may become members yourselves some day. Fellows pay 5 guineas entrance fee, unless elected from the association class, when it is 2 guineas. The annual subscription is 4 guineas. Associate entrance fee is 2 guineas, and annual subscription is 2 guineas. Licentiates, 1 guinea entrance, and 1 guinea subscription. The Royal Institute, besides being an architectural body, offers many advantages and interests to any of its members who are able to partake of • them. At its head quarters in Conduit Street, Hanover Square, London, there is ' a magnificent library of books, both ancient and modern, and periodicals on all subjects connected with architecture, engineering, and all the allied arts, sciences, and trades. Most of these books are on loan to the probationers, students, and members. If the books, which are not allowed to he taken away, are wanted, there is a very comfortable and quiet reference room, where they may be studied at leisure. Any fit person is able to obtain the advantages of the Library, by filling in a form, and having it signed by a Fellow of the Institute. This privilege also applies to the attending the ordinary general meetings, which are held fortnightly and at which papers, often illustrated by limelight views, on interesting architectural subjects, are read by some of the leading men in the profession. One of the most interesting papers I heard was given by a young lady architect and A.R.1.8.A. herself, who pleaded the cause of “Architecture for Women. Needless to say, there was a very large audience, and some of the remarks during the discussion on the paper were distinctly amusing. Then there are the tea rooms, and smoking rooms, where current* magazines and illustrated papers are also available, and where members may meet together in a sociable way. Altogether, to a London resident, there are many inducements to become a member, besides the benefit, which all members share, of the status which it certainly gives. The above is the paper referred to in our last as having been delivered before the paper read by Mr. Newton Vanes, A.R.1.8.A., at the meeting of the Otago branch. Mr. Vane’s paper reached us first, and Mr. Hooper’s was shut out by press of matter.Ed.P.