William Turnbull (1868-1941)

Adrian Humphris, Wellington City Archivist, presented a fascinating talk on William Turnbull (1868-1941): architect of the house built for Alexander Turnbull in Bowen Street. William Turnbull entered the architectural office of his father Thomas (1825-1907) in 1882, and received a professional education from him. In 1890, William visited Melbourne and Sydney and was engaged in the office of J A Gordon, a Melbourne architect who at that time was engaged in the design of several major commercial buildings including the Melbourne (now Victoria) Markets.

In 1891 William returned to Wellington and was admitted into partnership in the firm of Thomas Turnbull and Son. This was one of the foremost architectural practices in the city at the turn of the century and it continued after Thomas Turnbull’s death in 1907.