Vilhelms Bokslafs | |
---|---|
Born |
Wilhelm Ludwig Nicholas Bockslaff 12 October 1858 Riga, Russian Empire |
Died | 9 March 1945 Poznań, Poland |
(aged 86)
Nationality | Baltic German |
Education | Riga Polytechnicum |
Known for | Architecture |
Movement | Eclecticism, Art Nouveau |
Wilhelm Ludwig Nicholas Bockslaff (Latvian: Vilhelms Bokslafs) (October 12, 1858, Riga - March 9, 1945, Poznań) was a Baltic German architect working in Riga. He is considered one of the most important representatives of Eclecticism, Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles in the city. He is noted in particular for his construction of churches.
Wilhelm Bockslaff was born in Riga on the 12th of October 1858. His father was the wealthy merchant and industrialist Nicholas Ludwig Bockslaff. In 1878 he started architecture studies in Riga Polytechnicum and graduated in 1885. After graduation he stayed in the polytechnikum to work as an assistant. He also worked in the offices of architects Johann Koch and Heinrich Scheel. Later he established his own architects office. In this period he studied the history of St. Peter's church in Riga and other medieval buildings in the city. In 1894 he married Eva Riker.
Bockslaff worked mainly in eclectic styles especially in the Neo-Gothic style. However he also designed buildings in forms of Art Nouveau. Most notable buildings are Jaunmokas Manor near Tukums and the Commercial school in Riga (Now Art Academy of Latvia). Architect also restored many manors after the Revolution of 1905. He also has designed large number of churches and various industrial objects such as factories and water towers.