(b London, 1 Oct 1780; d Cheltenham, Glos, 18 April 1867). Architect, son of (1) Robert Smirke (i). One of the leaders of the GREEK REVIVAL in Regency England and a pioneer in the use of concrete and cast iron, Smirke built up what was probably the most extensive and profitable architectural practice of his time. Among his public commissions was his most impressive monument, the British Museum, London (see ENGLAND, fig. 8).

Part of the Smirke family

See the Abbreviations for further details.

The Concise Grove Dictionary of Art. Copyright © 2002 by Oxford University Press, Inc.. All rights reserved.