Why I Love The Architects of Toronto
Henry Langley
Birth: November 26, 1836 (Toronto)
Death: January 9, 1907 (Toronto at the Necropolis Cemetery)
Biography: A born Torontonian, Henry Langley began his career in architecture through an apprenticeship with William Hay. His first venture as an architect was with Hay’s old partner Thomas Grundy, but became a prominent architectural figure when he joined the firm Langley, Langley (Edward Langley, his brother) and Burke (who was his nephew) in 1872. Langley stayed with the firm until he decided to retire.
Langley’s foray in architecture was churches in which he built a reported 70 across Ontario. He was so famous with his work for churches that he would be called upon to alter and expand them.
Even though Langley was known predominantly for his churches he did dabble in residential and public spaces including Post Offices and the homes of William McMaster and Robert Simpson.
Langley even taught some other prominent Toronto architects who will be featured in the coming weeks including Frank Darling, and J.C.B. Horwood. Langley was the founder the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and the Ontario Association of Architects.
Langley died today in 1907 and was buried in the Necropolis Cemetery located in Cabbagetown. Langley was responsible for the church, superintendents lodge and gates that reside on the property.
Notable Buildings featured by Why I Love Toronto
Bank of British North America (now The Irish Embassy)
McMaster Hall (The Royal Conservatory of Music with Burke)
Metropolitan Methodist Church
St. Michael’s Cathedral (Spire with Grundy)
Toronto Necropolis Chapel
Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church (with Burke)
Sources:
Ontario Plaques
Heritage Oshawa
Toronto Public Library
Images:
Henry Langley
Plaque
Irish Embassy
McMaster Hall
Trinity-St. Paul's United Church
Necropolis Chapel