Albert Thomas Butler, 1872 - 1952, was known as A.T. Butler. He was born and educated in the Black Country, and worked there all of his life. He was involved in local clubs and associations, both professionally and socially. His architectural work includes many local public buildings and public houses, including Dudley Guest Hospital and Dudley Technical College. Described by one of his articled pupils as a mild, studious, business man, he was highly respected in the community and by other architects.
Albert was born in Cradley Heath, and was educated at Halesowen Grammar School. He trained in Wednesbury at Messrs. Horton & Scott, later becoming assistant to Henry Hill McConnal of Walsall. In 1893 he started a private practice in Cradley Heath, and in 1910, moved to Priory Road, Dudley. In 1930 he went into partnership with Bertram Butler of Dudley and Wolverhampton.
He and his wife had 9 children, 8 daughters and one son, who also became an architect, but who died young in 1935.
A.T. Butler became a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1907, having been proposed by H.H. McConnal, H.T. Hare and C.E. Bateman. In 1915 he became a Fellow of the Institute of Arbitrators. Between 1929 and 1931 he served as president of Birmingham and Five Counties Architectural Association. Albert was a well known Freemason and Rotarian. He played cricket for the Halesowen Cricket Club, later becoming club captain.
He joined the Worcestershire Council for the Preservation of Rural England, which was launched in 1926. Neville Chamberlain spoke at the launch and Edward Elgar was Vice President of the neighbouring Herefordshire branch between 1931 and 1934. There have been many other famous names involved in the Council throughout the years. The Council was set up to campaign for a sustainable future for the English countryside. A.T.Butler's involvement in this group may illustrate his sympathy with the Arts and Crafts Movement and its beliefs.
A.T. Butler's local work includes the Station Hotel 1898, Dudley Technical College 1904 and the Cradley Heath Workers' Institute 1911. He was architect to the Governors of the Dudley Guest Hospital from 1928 to 1940, which involved extensive refurbishment and rebuilding. He also worked on the Halesowen Grammar School. Other known works include the new market hall in Dudley 1939,and a number of public houses, including the Hen and Chickens, the Saracen's Head, Ward Arms, Court House and the Crown Hotel at Wychbold. He also designed a number of private and council houses.
At the 1912 opening of the Cradley Heath Workers' Institute, it was A.T. Butler who presented the Countess of Dudley with the key to the building, in order to perform the opening ceremony.
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| Updated: | Tue 13 Mar 2007 - 1 |
| Interpretation written by | Jenny Ermoyenous |
| Author's organisation | Curatorial |
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