Charles Francis Annesley Voysey, architect and designer, was born in Hessle, near Hull, on 28th May 1857. He was educated at home until 1871 when his family moved to London. He then spent two years at Dulwich College. Between 1874-9 Voysey was the pupil of John Pollard Seddon who was an architect of the Gothic revival. Voysey also worked as an improver in the office of George Devey.
In 1881 Voysey started his own practice in London. In 1885 he married Mary Maria and went on to have two sons and one daughter. Early in his career Voysey relied heavily on his designs for wallpaper and textiles, although he did submit plans for cottages such as that at Bishop's Itchington, Warwick. He was also a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy where he displayed watercolour views of his buildings.
Voysey was influenced by the picturesque and was known for his individuality. His interpretations were rational and artistic and his country cottages were often both long and low. Between 1890-1914 Voysey enjoyed an extensive domestic practice and his style was also enjoyed abroad. His country houses include: Perrycroft, Colwall, Hereford and Hill Close, Studland Bay, Dorset. He also occasionally submitted designs for public buildings but was never successful.
In 1917 Voysey chose to live alone in a service flat in St James Street. He died on 12th February 1941.
Bibliography
Briggs, M, S. (2004) ‘Voysey, Charles Francis Annesley (1857–1941)’, rev. Wendy Hitchmough, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Oxford; online edn, Oct 2007