William Richard Lethaby (1857–1931) was a British architect, designer, and educator who played a pivotal role in shaping the Arts and Crafts movement and modern architectural conservation. After training under Richard Norman Shaw, Lethaby became known for buildings that expressed structural clarity, handcrafted detail, and respect for local materials, such as All Saints Church at Brockhampton. A passionate theorist, he authored influential texts including Architecture, Mysticism and Myth, advocating for the spiritual and social value of architecture. Lethaby co-founded the Art Workers’ Guild, helped establish the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, and later served as Surveyor of the Fabric at Westminster Abbey, where he set new standards for sympathetic restoration. Through his designs, writings, and teaching, he championed unity between art and craft, honesty of construction, and the education of future designers, leaving a lasting legacy on British architecture and decorative arts.
