John Wynne

• Born : Oct-Dec 1842 at Barnsley
• Married : 11 January 1871, to Ann, daughter of John Platt, of Manchester,
• Died : 15 March 1926 aged 83

Born in Barnsley in 1842, John Wynne was the only son of the Rev. John and Hannah Wynne. He was educated at Leeds, Dudley Grammar School and Owens College, Manchester before being articled to Speakman and Charlesworth, architects, Manchester. He then acted as principal assistant to Joseph Stretch Crowther for three and a half years before commencing independent practice at Manchester in February, 1871. He was elected Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1875 and a Fellow in 1878. John Wynne apparently had no involvement with the Manchester Society of Architects, and is not listed among its members. Walter Sharp (qv) was an assistant.

 In 1888 he received a glowing endorsement of his professional abilities in the local press:

His intimate practical knowledge of measurements and values has enabled him to erect many difficult and costly works altogether without “extras.” This, together with the artistic character of his designs and his careful attention to the requirements and wishes of his clients have obtained for him a reputation for architectural ability beyond his own city, and deservedly secured a varied and extensive practice not only in Manchester and its suburbs, but in different parts of the country. [Manchester Today 1888 page 205]

Although later described as an eminent Manchester architect, the list of his known commissions remains remarkably small. Rather, it would appear that other interests consumed much of his energy. John Wynne took an active interest in politics in the Liberal cause. For many years he was Chairman of the Moss Side Liberal Association and was also a member of the Moss Side Local Board, later the Moss Side District Council, where he variously held office as Chairman of the Sewage Committee, the Highways Committee and the Health Committee. Following amalgamation with Manchester he was a representative of the Moss Side East Ward on the Manchester City Council until his retirement in 1913. The son of a Methodist minister, he was a lifelong member of the Methodist denomination, a Past President of the South Manchester Section of the Manchester and Salford Evangelical Free Church Council; a Lay Preacher in much request, and, with one exception, has held all offices open to a Layman of the Methodist Church.

On 11 January 1871 He was married at the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Boston Street, Hulme, by his father, to Ann, daughter of John Platt, of Manchester, and had issue three sons and three daughters: John Platt, Annie Eliza, Frances, Herbert, Edwin, and Ethel. Manchester Guardian 14 January 1871 page 8]

John Wynne died on Monday 15 March 1926 at his residence, “Brown Heath,” Tarvin, near Chester. The funeral being held at Southern Cemetery, Manchester, on Thursday 18 March 1926.

Address
1872: John Wynne, 43 Princess Street, Manchester (MG 10 July 1872)
1876 : John Wynne ARIBA 43 Princess Street, Manchester
1877-8 :John Wynne ARIBA 2 Cooper Street, Manchester
1879-1911 : John Wynne FRIBA 2 Cooper Street, Manchester

Residence
1876 : 5 Osborne Terrace Moss Lane East
1881 : 5 Oscroft Place Moss Lane (Census)
1895 : 414 Moss Lane East (Oscroft Place)
1903 : 410 Moss Lane East
1911 : 410 Moss lane East (corner of Acomb Street)
1926 : “Brown Heath” Tarvin near Chester.

Obituary : Manchester City News 20 March 1926 Page 36
Obituary : Builder Volume 130, 2 April 1926, Page 546
Obituary :RIBA Journal v33, 1926, Page 352, 355
 
Reference : Tracy & Pike, Manchester & Salford at the Close of the 19th Century
Reference : Lancashire Biographies and Roll of Honour 1917