William Wardell

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English born William Wilkinson Wardell (1823-1899) arrived in Melbourne, Australia in 1858. Having already established himself in England as an ecclesiastical architect, he became one of Melbourne's most significant early architects. Soon after arrival he was appointed chief architect for the colonial government of Victoria and later became inspector-general of public works overseeing many of Melbourne's early major projects. Despite these official positions, he continued his private practice. Wardell was sacked from his position as inspector-general in 1877 when Victorian premier Sir Graham Berry dismissed much of the public service due to the rejection of his appropriation bill, which meant funds were not available to pay them. This event was known 'Black Wednesday'. Wardell then moved to Sydney.

An exponent of the Gothic Revival movement his churches include St Patrick's Cathedral and St Ignatius' Church in Richmond in Melbourne, and St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. He also designed Melbourne's Government House and Venetian styled banking chambers for the ES&A bank in Collins Street. He was the first architect for St John's College at the University of Sydney. The [Royal Australian Institute of Architects] present an eponymous annual prize for institutional architecture.

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