Hunt, S[?imeon].G.W.
A folder of c.30 architectural drawings, plans, elevations and figures, signed S.G.W. Hunt (5, Lancaster Road), mostly hand-drawn in pencil or ink, some with hand-colouring, some dated 1912, most undated.
The folder includes a study of an arcade cap from York Minster (ink wash along with the original sketch for the work); three tracing paper sheets relating to St Luke's Prestonville [Brighton] relating to a proposed new parish room (including one of a design for a memorial stone); three sheets of a shop design "in conformity with the London Building Act (including façade, plan and proposed construction materials); six assorted sheets of architectural drawings; and four sheets produced in association with G.F. Hallett (possibly of the Brighton architectural family which produced two Mayors), dated 1912, of S.S. Mary and Blaise, Boxgrove, Sussex. This 900-year old church was described by Sir Simon Jenkins as "a magical church full of echoes of French influence along the Sussex coast. It's crossing is a mystery of light and dark…".

The presence of MSS ink notes relating to some of the drawings suggest at least some of the work was being submitted for architectural examinations or similar (especially one sheet headed "Paper I + 5"). This is further supported by a sequence of drawings numbered 1-9 (lacking 5) showing architectural details and construction methods from medieval churches to then contemporary practice. There are two other potential display sheets as well.

We have been able to trace a Brighton architect called Simeon Hunt, who had a practice at 129 Queen's Road (1899-1915), however Lancaster Road is not amongst his listed addresses. We have traced a Miss J.G. Hunt at that address in 1918, who is likely of the same family.

There are also c.15 sheets signed Leslie Skeet, dated 1917-1919, also showing a range of architectural models, plans and similar in a younger hand, suggestive of studies. There is a sheet of various door handles, one showing types of pulley and another showing arches. All are hand-drawn, some coloured, and a few show personal drawings not related to architecture.

An attractive and detailed series of studies, carefully executed, from an era when skill in draftmanship was the only real method of producing detailed and accurate drawings. They capture a wealth of period detail, both in the form and style of construction of the time, and in the methodologies of the architects responsible for the design.