Benjamin Mountfort

Benjamin Mountfort
Mountfort around 1875
Born
Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort

(1825-03-13)13 March 1825
Birmingham, England
Died15 March 1898(1898-03-15) (aged 73)
Christchurch, New Zealand
Resting placeHoly Trinity Avonside Cemetery
OccupationArchitect
Years active1852–1897
SpouseEmily Elizabeth Newman
Children9
Parent(s)Thomas Mountfort
Susannah Mountfort
BuildingsSelected buildings

Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort (13 March 1825 – 15 March 1898) was an English emigrant to New Zealand, where he became one of the country's most prominent 19th-century architects. He was instrumental in shaping the city of Christchurch's unique architectural identity and culture, and was appointed the first official Provincial Architect of the developing province of Canterbury. Heavily influenced by the Anglo-Catholic philosophy behind early Victorian architecture, he is credited with importing the Gothic revival style to New Zealand. His Gothic designs constructed in both wood and stone in the province are considered unique to New Zealand. Today, he is considered the founding architect of the province of Canterbury.