Architects & Mathematicians

Watson Fothergill Architect

Watson Fothergill (1841-1928) is famous for having a positive effect on Nottingham's cityscape. He was the son of a wealthy lace manufacturer and merchant and at the age of 11 moved to Nottingham. Heavily influenced by European gothic architecture, he became known as Nottingham's most flamboyant Victorian architect. You can still see many of his buildings in and around Nottingham city centre.

George Green Mathematician

George Green was one of the most remarkable of nineteenth century physicists, a self-taught mathematician whose work has contributed greatly to modern physics. Born in Nottingham in 1793, the only son of semi-literate baker, he showed `an intense application to mathematics'. Having completed just four terms at school, he started an apprenticeship in his father's mill at the age of 14. Seven years later he published the first of many books. In 1830 he met his patron Sir Edward Bromhead at Cambridge University. Although he died in 1841, his theories in electricity and magnetism, and wave theory in sound and light, were rediscovered and developed from 1845. He gained posthumous reputation amongst 19th and 20th century mathematicians and scientists.

T. Cecil Howitt Architect

Designer of the Nottingham Council House, described by some as the finest municipal building outside London. It was built on the site left vacant after the demolition of the old Exchange in the 1920's. Four statues stand at the base of the 200 foot high dome, representing commerce, civic law, prosperity and knowledge, the hallmarks of the City of Nottingham. Two stone lions guard its fine colonnaded facade, while behind its pillars, cherubs toil at traditional Nottingham trades. The ten-and-a-half ton bell, Little John, is renowned as the deepest-toned in Britain.

Ada Lovelace Mathematician

Described as an analyst, metaphysician, and founder of scientific computing, Ada Lovelace became a lifelong friend of Charles Babbage, the computer pioneer. She wrote about his "Analytical Engine" with such clarity and insight that her work became the defining text explaining the process now known as computer programming. Her father was the poet Lord Byron. She never knew him as a week after she was born, he left for Italy and died in Greece when Ada was eight years old.

Julian Marsh Architect

Nottingham architect Julian Marsh is a five-times RIBA Award winner. His city based company Marsh:Grochowski 'architects, urban and interior designers' was responsible for the design of Hart's Hotel, the boutique hotel standing on the site of the ramparts of Nottingham Castle, The D.H. Lawrence Pavillion at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Playhouse Square Sky Mirror in collaboration with artist Anish Kapoor.