author
Richard Glazier
1851–1918
An English architect, designer, and art teacher, he is best remembered for writing clear, practical books on ornament and design history for students and craftsmen. His work helped make architectural decoration and textile traditions easier to study and understand.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in 1851, Richard Glazier built his reputation in the world of art and design education rather than in architectural practice. Records from Architects of Greater Manchester note that he was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1892, while also observing that he never entered professional practice.
Glazier spent much of his career connected with the Manchester Municipal School of Art, where he served as head master for 26 years. He wrote books intended to guide students and makers, including A Manual of Historic Ornament, a study of the development of architectural and decorative ornament that remained well known long after its first publication.
He died on March 30, 1918, at Ingleton. His published work, including later editions of A Manual of Historic Ornament and Historic Textile Fabrics, has helped preserve his place as a thoughtful interpreter of historic design for new generations of readers.