Owen Williams
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sir Owen Williams (1890 – 1969) was born in London, England. He studied engineering at London University, after which he was articled to the Electrical Tramways Co. in London. In 1912 Williams assumed a position as engineer and designer with the Trussed Concrete Company. Seven years later, he started a consulting firm. Appointed chief consulting civil engineer to the British Empire Exhibition (including Wembley Stadium) in 1923, he received a knighthood for his services.
Williams designed his buildings as functional structures sheathed with decorative facades. More an engineer than an architect, Williams produced a series of reinforced concrete buildings during the period between the wars. After World War II he worked on developing the first plan for Britain's motorway system.
His other works include the Dorchester Hotel, the Boots pharmaceutical factory in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, the Daily Express Buildings in London and Manchester, the M1 Motorway and the Gravelly Hill Interchange (Spaghetti Junction).
Williams died in London in 1969.
