Design project celebrates birth of architect John Carr

The Renewable Heritage Trust has challenged schools to redesign the roof of Howsham Mill, near Malton, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the architect behind the building, John Carr.

John Carr, of York, is hailed as one of the 18th century’s finest neoclassical architects, and is said to have made an important imprint on Britain’s heritage.

Throughout the 1700s he created hundreds of great houses, churches and public buildings – many of which still stand today.

John Carr by William Beechey (Image: National Portrait Gallery, London)

John Carr makes his mark on York

He taught himself architecture and was just 25 when he won a competition to design and build a new grandstand for York Racecourse.

It was admired by the ‘great and the good’ of Yorkshire, for whom he went on to design buildings.

At his own expense, he rebuilt St Peter’s and St Leonard’s Church in his home village of Horbury and at 62 became Lord Mayor of York.

For the design challenge, the Renewable Heritage Trust has teamed up with nationwide architects Donald Insall Associates who have created a drawing of Howsham Mill without its roof.

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The mill has pyramidal roof features dormer windows and crocketed finials on pedestals at each corner.

Winners will be chosen by Donald Insalls’ architects and the winning designs will go on show during the National Heritage Open Days festival in September. 

Budding architects encouraged to let their imaginations 'run riot'

Martin Phillips, a trustee at the Trust, said: “We want budding designers and architects of the future to let their imaginations run riot and create something exciting to go in its place.

“It could be strikingly modern, or influenced by architecture of the past - the choice is theirs.

Howsham Mill (Image: Newsquest)

“Our challenge celebrates the work of one of the north’s most respected sons and aims to encourage creativity and career aspirations in young people.

“We want both primary and secondary schools to take part.”

Tony Barton, chairman of Donald Insall Associates, added: “We are specialist conservation architects and are proud to have worked on some of John Carr’s magnificent buildings.

“Wouldn’t it be marvellous if this project inspires only one young person to train as a conservation architect, who works with us in the future, especially on a John Carr building - and follow in the footsteps of our brilliant trainee architects, Emma Chrystie-Lowe and Ryan Farrell, who produced the drawings for the John Carr 300 Challenge?”

Nine other landmark John Carr buildings spread across four counties also taking part in the design challenge.

Each will be encouraging local schools to re-think a historic detail of their building.

For more information about the Howsham Mill design project, email Martin Phillips at info@howshammill.org.uk