Background
Oatley was born in Bristol in 1863, and after working as an apprentice to the architect Thomas Dashwood, he became a junior draughtsman for the local firm Godwin and Crisp, at the age of 16.
Oatley was born in Bristol in 1863, and after working as an apprentice to the architect Thomas Dashwood, he became a junior draughtsman for the local firm Godwin and Crisp, at the age of 16.
Building was begun in 1915, and after being delayed through World War I, it was finally completed in 1925.
His major break came with his appointment as Architect to the University of Bristol. One of his first projects, and probably the major one of his career, was to design the Wills Memorial Building to be a landmark for the new university, in 1912. He produced an imposing design in the Perpendicular Gothic style.
Oatley was knighted the same year in recognition of his work.
His other work for the University included the His (or Her) Highness Wills Physics Department, started in 1926 and opened in 1930. Wills Hall, a student hall of residence in Stoke Bishop in 1925.
And Manor Hall, a student hall of residence in Clifton in (1932). Oatley"s works included the design of several mental hospitals throughout the country, including Winwick Asylum in Lancashire, the City of Cardiff Asylum at Whitchurch, Barrow Mental Hospital at Barrow Gurney, and extensions to the Beaufort War Hospital at Stapleton.
He also designed the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital in 1908, (now the University of Bristol"s Student Health Centre) and worked on improvements to the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Oatley"s keen Christian faith is reflected in the large amount of work he did for local churches. He designed the mission hall of Street Anne"s in Greenbank (1900-1901), Bristol Baptist College (1913–1915), Street Edyth"s in Sea Mills (1926-1928). Other projects included work on Saint Mary Redcliffe church and the New Room, John Wesley"s original Methodist chapel.
Oatley was also involved in raising financial support for various Christian causes.