Peter Aldington (1933-)
Born in Preston in April 1933, Peter Aldington was brought up by his mother, Edna, and his father John, later a Managing Director of Siemens Brothers UK. Two early but profound influences on Aldington were the family's Baptist beliefs, (something Aldington would turn away from), and his fathers love of gardening. Another early influence was Aldington’s family friend, George Grenfell Baines, architect and founder of Building Design Partnership. As well as designing a house for Mr and Mrs Aldington, Baines suggested that Peter study architecture, which he did at Manchester Uni School of Architecture.
LIke many young architects in the immediate post war period, Aldington’s first job was in the architects department of London County Council. Whilst there, Aldington took on his first private commissions, one of which was the White House in Askett Green. After briefly working for the Timber Research Development Association, Aldington went into private practice with John Craig, who had previously been working in advertising. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the practice designed a number of houses, including a collection of three homes in Haddenham with shared and private gardens. Peter and his wife Maragert still live in one of the houses, Turn End.
The practice added Paul Collinge in 1980, and broadened their work to include doctors surgeries, shops, offices and the high tech Royal Mail Depot at Hemel Hempstead (now demolished). Aldington retired from the practice in 1986, directing his energies into landscape design and teaching. Peter and Margaret have also formed the Turn End Trust, to promote the integration of building and garden design and look after Turn End itself. The houses and gardens are open on select days throughout the year.
Featured Buildings: Askett Green, North Woolwich Health Centre, Princes Place
LIke many young architects in the immediate post war period, Aldington’s first job was in the architects department of London County Council. Whilst there, Aldington took on his first private commissions, one of which was the White House in Askett Green. After briefly working for the Timber Research Development Association, Aldington went into private practice with John Craig, who had previously been working in advertising. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the practice designed a number of houses, including a collection of three homes in Haddenham with shared and private gardens. Peter and his wife Maragert still live in one of the houses, Turn End.
The practice added Paul Collinge in 1980, and broadened their work to include doctors surgeries, shops, offices and the high tech Royal Mail Depot at Hemel Hempstead (now demolished). Aldington retired from the practice in 1986, directing his energies into landscape design and teaching. Peter and Margaret have also formed the Turn End Trust, to promote the integration of building and garden design and look after Turn End itself. The houses and gardens are open on select days throughout the year.
Featured Buildings: Askett Green, North Woolwich Health Centre, Princes Place