SAHGB Launches Architectural History Fund in Memory of Bartlett Alumnus Mark Girouard

The Society of Architectural Historians Great Britain (SAHGB) has launched the Girouard Fund for Publications in memory of renowned British architectural historian and Bartlett alumnus, Mark Girouard (1931–2022). The fund was set up with the endorsement of Mark’s daughter, Blanche Girouard, for everyone engaged in architectural historical research including academics, heritage professionals and independent writers.

Mark Girouard was a prolific architectural writer throughout his life. He worked for the magazine Country Life from 1958 to 1966. After Mark left Country Life in 1966, he studied at The Bartlett School of Architecture as a mature student. It was there he realised his passion lay in the history of buildings and he went on to publish The Victorian Country House (1971) shortly after leaving the school. His most famous work, Life in the English Country House: A Social and Architectural History (1978), pioneered the study of country houses globally.

Commenting on the significance of the Girouard Fund for Publications, Blanche Girouard, said:

My father was always incredibly supportive of other architectural historians, and I am thrilled that this support – in his name – will now continue beyond the grave.”

About the Fund

In a challenging academic publishing environment in which architectural historians struggle to finance research and publication, the fund aims to promote and support researchers and writers producing books, journal articles, websites, bibliographies and digital publications that expand the reach of architectural history and theory.

SAHGB has set a target of £100,000 for the fund, which will come from various sources, including individual donors, grants and crowdfunding from SAHGB members and individuals who are interested in supporting the advancement of architectural history.

The Girouard Fund for Publications complements SAHGB’s existing support for postgraduate architectural history education such as the SAHGB Dissertation Prize, which Bartlett alumnus Eliot Haworth received in 2023.

More information

• Find out more and donate to The Girouard Fund for Publications
• Visit the SAHGB website

Image: Mark Girouard on his 88th birthday outside Ham House, Blanche Girouard