In this compelling account of the life and works of New Zealand architect Claude Megson, it’s clear that he was multifaceted. Author Giles Reid, who is an architect as well as a former student of Megson, describes the enigmatic Megson as a brilliant teacher, a classical music lover, a partner and father, and a domineering and competitive yet gifted draftsperson who pushed builders to execute his distinctive and complex plans. Reid sees Megson’s houses as both works of architecture and works of art.
The book’s cedar-coloured cover echoes the stained cedar weatherboards from which many of Megson’s homes were constructed. Writing the book took at least a decade and much of Reid’s time was spent on a ‘detective hunt’. Although he had access to archival material, many of Megson’s drawings have no date or project address, nor the full name of the client.
…his site plans do not show neighbouring buildings, just the plot’s outline, and they almost never have a north arrow. … This has created several challenges over the years in trying to track down his lesser known buildings or to confirm whether a project was built.
The introduction covers Megson’s lifelong interest in architectural theory and practice, as well the influences that shaped his identity as a ‘committed modernist’, and his formal and informal education. Megson was a keen observer of both national and international developments in architecture, eventually travelling as well as lecturing overseas. Reid discusses Megson’s legacy, as well as his reputation.
The book then focuses on around 30 of Megson’s projects, some of which were never built. Each section includes information about who commissioned the house (or other structure), key dates, its location, and a detailed description of its setting, construction details, and known history to date. The images in these sections include both colour and black-and-white photographs, initial sketches, site concept plans, and final plans. Most photographs were taken by New Zealand-based photographer Jackie Meiring, whose arresting photos complement older images. The photos include both interior and exterior shots, with the landscapes central to Megson’s designs often depicted too. Several photos show house-owners, some of whom lived happily in their Megson-designed homes for decades. Very few photos show Megson himself.
Read the rest of the review at NZ Booklovers here.
