Ernest Shearman, Ecclesiastical Architect

Currently available on Amazon.

Ernest Shearman built just 6 churches in the London suburbs in the early twentieth century, His individual bold yet austere Neo-Gothic style was influenced by the simple early mendicant (Franciscan and Dominican) redbrick Gothic churches of northern Italy as well as the French flamboyant, Gothic Revival and Arts & Crafts movements, presaging the arrival of Modernism. His churches stand proud in their neighbourhoods today with thriving congregations. By introducing this little known architect to a wider audience this book aims to establish Shearman among the significant architects of his generation.

Diana spent her teenage years in Shearman's Arts and Crafts Winchester house he designed for himself in 1900 and it remained the background to her life for 60 years. This was the starting point to her interest in Shearman.