Smirke, Robert

Sir Robert Smirke RA (1 October 1780 – 18 April 1867) was an English architect and a leader of Greek Revival architecture. As architect to the Board of Works, he designed several major public buildings, including the main block and façade of the British Museum. He was a pioneer of the use of concrete foundations. In 1805, Smirke became a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Architects' Club. He is known to have designed or remodelled over twenty churches, more than fifty public buildings and more than sixty private houses.