Lutyens’ Greatest Masterpieces
Sir Edwin Lutyens created a number of outstanding buildings and structures which earned him the reputation of one of the greatest British architects. His greatest works, however, were not limited to architecture. Listed below are a few of the most impressive and influential works by Lutyens:
India Gate, New Delhi. The monumental India Gate and one of the most recognizable landmarks of New Delhi was built according to the design of Edwin Lutyens in 1931. The memorial which reveals influence of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris as well as of local styles was built to commemorate 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919. In 1971, the flame of the immortal soldier (Amar Jawan Jyoti) was added under the arch of the monument to mark the Tomb of an Unknown Soldier.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Also known as the Official Residence of the Head of the State was built according to Lutyens’ design from 1911 to 1931 for the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. The building which is a unique blend of classical style and various Indian styles today serves as the residence of the President of India.
Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton. Lutyens designed the Castle Drogo for Julius Drewe who was recommended to commission the architect by William Hudson, the owner of the Country Life magazine and a great admirer of Lutyens’ work. The castle was built only in 1930, one year before his owner’s death but Drewe lived in it from 1925.
The Cenotaph, Whitehall. The war memorial that was erected in 1920 (after the temporary structure was removed) is one of the most recognizable Lutyens’ designs despite its relative simplicity. It later also served as a model for other World War I memorials in the United Kingdom as well as abroad.
Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme. The monumental World War I memorial that was built to the Lutyens’ design between 1915 and 1918 is dedicated to the British and South African soldiers who died during the battle of the Somme and do not have a grave. But since the memorial is dedicated to soldiers who are unidentified or missing, the newly discovered and identified men who lost their life at Some are buried with military honors at the nearby cemetery, while their name is removed from the pillar with inscription of about 72,000 missed and unidentified soldiers. As a result, there are gaps in the list of the soldiers on the monument.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. A dolls’ house which was created by Lutyens for Queen Mary (wife of King George V) is considered one of the architect’s greatest masterpieces due to its outstanding attention to detail. It can be seen in the Windsor Castle at Windsor.
Lutyens Bench. Perhaps one of the least known Lutyens’ works is a masterpiece in every aspect. The garden bench which is traditionally described as an outstanding blend of the traditional style and the requirements of the late 19th century still reflects a sense of modern sophistication and can easily be incorporated into most garden styles.