Frank Caws

Background

Caws was born at Seaview, Isle of Wight, the son of Silas Harvey Caws and his wife, Emma Matilda (née Cave).

Career

Frank married Catherine Francis Riddett of Ryde at Street Helens Church Isle of Wight on 4 February 1868. Frank Caws was articled to Thomas Hellyer of Ryde Isle of Wight (1860-1864). Following which, he worked at South Kensington Museum, returned to Thomas Hellyer as assistant 1864.

Assistant to John Ross of Darlington with North Eastern Railway Company, George Bidlake of Wolverhampton and senior assistant to Joseph Potts of Sunderland 1867.

Frank commenced independent practice in Sunderland 1870. Frank Caws was elected Fellow of Royal Institute of British Architects 5 June 1893.

Caws" buildings in Sunderland include the Elephant Tea Rooms, Corder House, Sydenham House and the terraced Holmlands Park in Ashbrooke. In 1874, a competition was held for Sunderland Town Hall on a site in Mowbray Park.

The design the committee most liked was by Frank Caws, but this was disqualified for exceeding the stated cost.

The new design competition for a town hall on Fawcett Street took place. The competition were dogged by accusations of corruption, but the building was built. Caws" other constructions include Seaview Pier, and New Dukes House, near Hexham.

As well as his architectural activities in Sunderland, Frank was also involved with social improvement in the area.

In 1871 he was involved with establishing the Young Men’s Christian Association in Sunderland and was their first Honorary Secretary until 1875. In 1887 Frank was awarded the contract for a new Sunderland Young Men’s Christian Association building (which has long since vanished).

On a cold evening in the winter of 1901, (so the story goes), Frank found a 9 year old, barefoot and ragged match seller sheltering on the stairs of his office and Frank decided there and then to do something about lieutenant The doors were opened 2 January 1902 and Frank held the powerful position of Honorary Secretary until his death in 1905.

The Waifs Rescue Agency & Street Vendor’s Club was later renamed the Lambton Street Youth Centre and continues into the 21st century claiming to be "one of the oldest youth centres in Europe".

Frank Caws died in the evening on 8 April 1905 aged 58 at his home in Sunderland following a trip to London during which he caught a chill and developed pneumonia. Frank is buried in Bishopwearmouth Cemetery. Their work included Street Luke"s Parish Hall, Wallsend built in 1909, and the Swan Hunter Memorial Hall, Wigham opened in 1925 in memory of the men of Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Limited. who died in the 1914-1918 war.

Achievements

• This competition was judged by Alfred Waterhouse and won by the little known architect Brightwen Binyon, who had worked in Waterhouse’s office.

Connections

Partner:

Street Vendor

Friend:

Frank Caws