Charles Henry Driver

Charles Henry Driver
Abbey Mill Pumping station
Born	(1832-03-23)23 March 1832
Died	27 October 1900(1900-10-27) (aged 68)
Nationality	English
Occupation	Architect
Buildings	London, Brighton and South Coast Railway stations, Thames Embankment and pumping stations

Charles Henry Driver FRIBA (23 March 1832–27 October 1900) was a significant British architect of the Victorian era, with a reputation for pioneering use of ornamental iron work for which he was seen as a leading authority. He was also an expert in its casting and manufacture.

He started his career as a draughtsman in the office of Frank Foster, Engineer to the Commissioners of Sewers, London. In 1852 he was employed by Liddell and Gordon as a draughtsman, and he completed designs for bridges and stations for the Midland Railway on their Leicester and Hitchin Railway.

From 1857 he worked under Robert Jacomb-Hood in the Engineer's Office of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway including designs for their London Bridge terminus. In 1866 he provided designs for the Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells Central Line stations. In 1867 he provided the designs for Box Hill & Westhumble railway station on the new Leatherhead to Dorking line.

In 1862 he provided a drinking fountain in Kennington Park. In 1863 he submitted designs for Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork, but although his design was admired, he lost out to William Burges.

From 1864 he assisted Sir Joseph Bazalgette with designs for the landing stages and masonry of the Thames Embankment, and for the Pumping-stations at Abbey Mills and Crossness.

Between 1869 he worked for the Crystal Palace company designing and building the Aquarium, Orangery, and repairing the Water Towers. He also pioneered the use of ornamental tile work in industrial interiors. Based on the success of the Crystal Palace aquarium, Driver won a contract in 1872 with the Council of the Vienna Exhibition for a permanent aquarium in Vienna.