Donaldson and Jenkins Sketches and Surveys

Original sketches and surveys of Sicilian buildings, with dimensions.

Thomas Donaldson was born in London, the eldest son of James Donaldson, an architect and district surveyor. After leaving school, Thomas travelled to the Cape of Good Hope and worked as a clerk in the office of a merchant. In 1810 he went as a volunteer in an expedition to attack the French in the island of Mauritius. He then returned home to study architecture in his father's office and at the Academy schools. During an extensive tour in Italy and Greece he acquired skills and experience. His first important work was the church of Holy Trinity in South Kensington, London, built in 1826-1829. In 1841 he was appointed the first Professor of Architecture at University College London, a post he held till 1865. Donaldson was a pioneer in the academic study of architecture, as well as an excellent draughtsman and writer on architecture. Among other structures, he designed University Hall in Gordon Square and All Saints' Church in Gordon Street, London. He played a leading part in the foundation of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Donaldson died in London in 1885.

No information could be found about William Jenkins at the time of compilation.

Open

The papers are available subject to the usual conditions of access to Archives and Manuscripts material, after the completion of a Reader's Undertaking.

Presented to University College London Library by Professor H O Corfiato on 22 April 1952.

Collection level description

Normal copyright restrictions apply.

University College London Special Collections also holds notes by an unknown student on lectures on fine art and construction given by Donaldson at University College London, session 1863-1864 (Ref: MS ADD 121); notes by Donaldson (Ref: MS ADD 33); and medals presented to him, 1865.

The Royal Institute of British Architects Library holds correspondence and miscellaneous papers of Donaldson (Ref: DoT).