I. Sir Robert

Sir Robert, an English architect, horn in London in 1780, died at Cheltenham, April 18, 1867. He was the oldest son of Robert Smirke, a popular genre painter. After a tour through Germany and southern Europe, he settled in London in 1805 as an architect. He brought himself early into notice by his design for Covent Garden theatre (1808-9), which was destroyed by tire in March, 1856. Subsequently he was employed in designing many public buildings in the metropolis, the most considerable being the mint, a Grecian Doric edifice erected in 1811; the post office (1823-9); the college of physicians; King's college, as the eastern wing of Somerset house (1831); and the British museum (1823-'47). .These were all in the classical style. His chief Gothic works are the restorations of York minster and the improvements and extensions of the Inner Temple. He also erected buildings for the United Service, Carlton, and Oxford and Cambridge clubs, the last in conjunction with his brother Sydney. He was elected a royal academician in 1812, and in 1831 was knighted.

He published " Specimens of Continental Architecture" (fol., London, 1806).

II. Sydney

Sydney, younger brother of the preceding, also an architect. His style is more ornate and florid than that of his brother, and has been employed with effect upon several of the London club houses, especially the Carlton in Pall Mall. He also directed the restorations of the Temple church and Lichfield cathedral, and in 1847 succeeded his brother as architect of the British museum. He was elected a member of the royal academy in 1860, professor of architecture in 1861, and treasurer in 1862. He has published "Suggestions on the Architectural Improvements of the West of London" (1834), and "Architecture of the Temple Church" (4to, 1842).