12 Facts About Thomas Allom

Thomas Allom was an English architect, artist, and topographical illustrator.

Thomas Allom was a founding member of what became the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Thomas Allom designed many buildings in London, including the Church of St Peter's and parts of the elegant Ladbroke Estate in Notting Hill.

Thomas Allom worked with Sir Charles Barry on numerous projects, most notably the Houses of Parliament, and is known for his numerous topographical works, such as Constantinople and the Scenery of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, published in 1838, and China Illustrated, published in 1845.

Thomas Allom was born in Lambeth, south London, the son of a coachman from Suffolk.

Thomas Allom worked with Sir Charles Barry on numerous projects, including the Houses of Parliament and the remodelling of Highclere Castle.

However, Thomas Allom is chiefly known for his numerous topographical works, which were used to illustrate books on travel.

In 1834 Thomas Allom arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, and produced hundreds of drawings during journeys through Anatolia, Syria and Palestine.

Thomas Allom is remembered for numerous illustrations of China, published in China Illustrated in 1845.

Thomas Allom provided illustrations for "Family Secrets" by Mrs Ellis and E W Brayley's "A topographical history of Surrey".

Thomas Allom, who lived at 1 Barnes Villas, Barnes, suffered from a heart condition in his later years, and although he only retired in 1870, his artistic and architectural output slowed during the 1860s.

Thomas Allom died aged 68 in Barnes, and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.