Living Spaces: The Architecture of Fred Thornton Hollingsworth

Charles H. Scott Gallery presents an exhibition of Vancouver architect Fred Thronton Hollingsworth. One of the most highly acclaimed architects of his generation, Hollingsworth is one of a handful of innovative architects who were responsible for generating the “West Coast Style”, during the mid-century. Not only did Hollingsworth embrace the modernist ideals of the 1940’s and 50’s, he continued to design innovative houses throughout his career. For over fifty years he has made a significant contribution to the architectural culture on the West Coast.

At the end of the war Hollingsworth became interested in architecture after reading about the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s ideas and organic approach to architecture were to influence Hollingsworth throughout his career. In 1946 he designed his own house located on Vancouver’s North Shore. The design so impressed Ned Pratt that he was hired by the prestigious firm of Sharp & Thompson, Berwick, Pratt, where he worked until 1952. He also worked for the distinguished local architect William H. Birmingham from 1952 to 1958. He became a member of the AIBC in 1959 and formed a partnership with Barry Downs from 1963 to 1968. Since then he has maintained a solo practice.

In 1949 Hollingsworth designed the “Sky Bungalow”, a version of his post and beam houses. It was sited on the parking lot of the Hudson Bay Department Store. The idea was to promote modern house design and the new post-war suburban lifestyle. It was considered startlingly contemporary and the first time many people saw features that were to become typical of West Coast houses.

During the 1950’s and 60’s, Hollingsworth designed many residences based on a modular post and beam construction. Built on a concrete slab with no basement, they employed the latest in technology, including radiant floor heating. These economical houses were modified to suit the needs of the client and the site. In 1962 he and partner Barry Downs received a Massy medal for the Maltby House in West Vancouver. He also designed the innovative Berkeley Hospital in 1961, which brought new ideas to the care of the elderly.

In 1971 Hollingsworth designed the Faculty of Law Building at UBC. Throughout the 1970’s, 80’s and into the 90’s Fred Hollingsworth continued to evolve his designs. His clients could afford larger budgets and this is reflected in the scale and the complexity of his houses. Yet, he stayed true to the principles that first inspired him to take up architecture. His buildings reflect his sensitive use of space, texture and materials, as well as his commitment to a humanistic approach to the built environment.

We are also pleased to announce the publication of a book on the work of Fred Thornton Hollingworth. The comprehensive publication will contain a biography of Fred Hollingsworth and an essay on his work by Rhodri Windsor Liscombe and many illustrations of Hollingsworth’s most significant projects. Published by Blue Imprint Books of Vancouver, the book will be available in the fall of 2004.