ABOUT
Bryan Thomas was born in 1928 and attended Prep School in Felixstowe and Secondary School in Darjeeling. He trained at the Architectural Association in London, 1945-1950 being awarded a Diploma. Following National Service in the RAF, worked in London with David Stern and later with Wells Coates and his partner Michael Lyell. In 1957 he set up his practice in Colchester, Essex, producing many houses in north-east Essex in the 1960s and 70s. He has since revisited several to extend and upgrade for the 21st century. His most iconic was the House on the Heath, Fordham, built in 1967, extended 1974. In 1960 he designed the Elmstead Market house for British gardener Beth Chatto, and he has created and altered homes for the extended family.
His long career included several years working with the Diocese of Chelmsford, looking after many Essex Churches and designing Rectories and Anglican Primary Schools and extensions, notably in St. Osyth in 1968. His new Anglican churches include St. Andrews in Alresford 1975, (extended in 2015) and Christ Church in Colchester 1978.
He also designed churches for the Christian Scientists in Colchester 1972, followed by Sutton in Surrey and Maidstone in Kent. He created a meeting room for the Quakers in 1968, a 40 bed Conference Centre in1986 for the University of Essex with Community Halls at Great Bentley, Danbury and Kesgrave, Ipswich (1992).
His tally included Essex County Council Primary and Secondary Schools including South Woodham Ferrers 1990 and at Rayleigh 1991, and Sheltered Housing projects for The West Mersea Trust and for the Church Green Trust in Fingringhoe 1984.
In 1981-83 the practice worked on new Rides and altered buildings for Alton Towers, the Theme Park in Staffordshire. Although the architectural work was not faulted, a financial disagreement with the clients, nearly bankrupted the business. He resigned from the partnership and practice he had built.
There followed a delightful year living and working in two caravans, while he built a new house to accommodate both. He was fifty-five and has said since, that it was one of the best decisions in his life!
In 2013 he received a commendation in the Sunday Times’ British Homes Award.
Work in recent years has included alterations and light enhancing extensions to many local homes in the Colchester area. One of them is to a house, Geedon Barn in Fingringhoe, that he designed in 1964 and another has been long-listed in the RIBAJ ‘Viewpoint’ Competition 2015.
Eight years ago, Bryan decided that he had better retire soon and joined a writing class to keep the ‘little grey cells’ active, after that. He has had successes since then and, following several prizes in Competitions and inclusion in several Anthologies he has added Author to his job description.
2019-2020 have been a mix of good and sad fortune. His house for a GP and his family in Colchester, 1964, featured on Channel 4 as the baddy in Ugly House/Lovely House. He was delighted at the number of fans who called to say that they preferred his original.
The Curved Roof House also from 1964, was demolished while waiting for a viewing and probable Listing by Historic England. A few tears were shed.
The Beth Chatto Gardens in Elmstead Market were Listed by Historic England and by association, the house itself will be protected.
Bryan retired at ninety-one in October 2019.