Biography

English architect and draftsman who studied in Oxford and was friends with the art critic John Ruskin (1819-1900). He opened an architect's office in London in 1875. In 1882 he founded the Century Guild of Artists for designers, interior designers, and artists, and in 1884 began publishing the periodical The Hobby Horse. During the next twenty years, Mackmurdo designed items in metal, textiles, and furniture for various companies. He later became one of the founder members of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. From 1904 onwards he concentrated his energies on economic and socio-political questions.

Mackmurdo was one of the precursors of Art Nouveau and is counted among the pioneers of modern English architecture. His cover for Wren's City Churches is considered to be the first work with Art Nouveau character.