Appreciation - Dennis Sharp

Richard England, writes:

Dennis Sharp, internationally-acclaimed author, pedagogue, critic and architect passed away on May 6 at the age of 76. His death robbed the architectural world of one of the most eminent and prolific authors, critics and commentators of the 20th century architectural scene.

Born in 1933 into a family of building contractors, architects and surveyors, he initiated his architectural studies at the AA in London and later at the University of Liverpool under Quentin Hughes.

His writing was particularly impressive not only for the scholarly approach he gave to his material but also for the clear and erudite language with which he expressed his ideas in the many areas of his expertise. In contrast to much of contemporary journalistic and woolly archispeak writings, his contributions stood out for their lucid, articulate and clear vocabulary, constantly producing intelligible, coherent and comprehensible texts. Always, he approached his tasks with total dedication and commitment and his cultural baggage on the 20th century architectural scenario remains unsurpassed.

His rich and vast bibliography demonstrates his scholarly command of the subject. His many books include Modern Architecture And Expressionism (1966), A Visual History Of 20th Century Architecture (1972, 1991, 2002); a sort of illustrated bible of the new testament of architecture and a comprehensive survey of the work of Connell, Ward and Lucas (2008), the Modernist British practice of the 1930s, a period on which, without doubt, he was the leading authority. He also produced publications on the work of contemporary architects including Manfredi Nicoletti, Kisho Kurokawa and Santiago Calatrava.

With close to 50 published books to his credit, his bibliography includes innumerable contributions to international and UK publications. The 1968-1982 AA Quarterly Journals, which he founded and edited, remain to this day an outstanding reference series with valid contributions from many architectural luminaries of the period.

For his qualitative writing, he enjoyed a well-earned worldwide reputation which earned him many prizes including the Silver Medal of the French Academie d'Architecture and the UIA Jean Tschumi Award. One must also highlight his cogent contributions to CICA (the International Committee of Architectural Critics) and DoCoMoMo and his valued input as vice president to Riba (1991-1993) and the AA (2007-2009).

Dennis was also an outstanding lecturer. His commanding physical presence combined with the knowledge of his subjects made him a particularly impressive and imposing speaker.

A never tiring and over-enthusiastic workaholic, he leaves behind him a unique testament of architectural writings. For this, his place in the history of architectural literature is secure. He was, without doubt, one of the leading evangelists of architecture of the 20th century.

During the four decades that I have had the privilege of sharing precious time with Dennis, I have always emerged from our meetings intellectually enriched and enlightened. Among my most valued recollections, particularly gratifying, remain the many literary and critical articles he devoted to my work and of specific significance, the BookART publication, which he edited and published, Richard England Architect As Artist (2007).

Also much valued was the Foreword he contributed to the Charles Knevitt Monograph on my work Connections (1984) and, later that same year, his opening of my exhibition at the Building Centre in London.

I feel it appropriate to express my gratitude to him for all that he has passed on to me, not only through his publications but also through our many encounters. I, therefore, take this opportunity to thank you, Dennis, for your encouragement, guidance and advice.

I last saw Dennis in hospital only two days before his demise... a touching and difficult occasion, yet immensely satisfying and rewarding. Even then, although weak, he was still enthusiastically talking about future publications, typical of his fervour and enthusiasm.

To Yasmin Shariff, his wife and professional partner, and his family, I offer my sincere condolences. As a final goodbye, Dennis, I pay tribute to your unique talents as author and pedagogue and, above all, thank you for the privilege of your friendship.