Background
Dykes Bower was born in Gloucester as one of four brothers, including John Dykes Bower, later the organist at Street Paul"s Cathedral.
Dykes Bower was born in Gloucester as one of four brothers, including John Dykes Bower, later the organist at Street Paul"s Cathedral.
Stephen was educated as organ scholar at Merton College, Oxford and at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London.
He rejected modernism and continued traditions from the late Victorian period, emphasising fine detail, craftsmanship and bright colour. He set up his own practice in 1931, focusing on church building and restoration. Dykes Bower was a craftsman architect a rare breed of professional gentleman.
Humble for the teams he led, especially at Lancing College with its rose window noted as being the largest in England.
He was also a stonemason and his tools were in the boot of his Rolls Royce. He was a scholar and master of colourful ornamentation.
From 1951 to 1973, Dykes Bower was the official for Westminster Abbey. In charge of restoring, repairing, and maintaining the interior.
Restoration work included the tombs, Pearson-designed organ cases, Bore-designed pulpitum, choir stalls, Scott-designed reredos, vestments, ornaments et cetera