R W Billings Art

Though he trained as a topographical draughtsman, early in his career, R W Billings (Born 1813) wrote and illustrated many books before he decided to concentrate on his architectural practice. With time, he gave up authorship, and devoted himself fully to architectural practice. At one point, he got a government commission and was engaged in the restoration of Edinburgh Castle’s chapel. Some other works he was involved in include Gosford House, the Douglas Room in Stirling Castle; Haddingtonshire, the restoration of Hanbury Hall, the Earl of Wemyss; Cumberland and Kemble House, and Crosby-on-Eden Church. Before his death, he wrote and illustrated many books. In 1837, he drew the illustrations for Godwin George, followed by another work for Frederick Mackenzie. At the same time, Billings assisted Sir Wyatville Jeffry in the last stages of the reconstruction of Windsor Castle. Although he had no formal training as an architect, he became a fine architectural draughtsman and on 27 July 1835, was admitted ARIBA. He was lucky that Antoinette had some skill in drawing and so she greatly assisted him in his publications. He succeeded Robinson as architect to Anna Gordon’s Kemble estate and to Robert in Gloucestershire. Robinson is among senior artist who proposed him to work as an architect. Other artists who proposed him include Henry Edward Kendall and Henry Rhodes. He remained connected with his projects until 1874 when he passed on. He even came up with drawings of the ruins of the Palace of Westminster which was burnt down 1834. Framed R W Billings art are greatly admired by many architects.