Name

Philip Nunn

Designation
Architect
Born
1830
Place of Birth
Manchester
Location
Manchester
Died
1867

  • Born  : 12 April 1830
  • Baptism  : 7 November 1830 at Church of Saint James, Manchester
  • Died : 10 August 1867 at 194 Oxford Road Manchester.
  • Burial : 15 August 1867 at St Paul's Church, Kersal, Salford

Philip Nunn was the fourth son of Rev William Nunn MA and his wife Elizabeth (nee Vaughan), of Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire and brother of Joshua Nunn (qv). William Nunn, a distinguished churchman, was a native of Colchester, Essex, and, for nearly twenty-three years, minister of St Clement’s church, Openshaw. He died on the 9th March 1840 aged 54. Like his brothers, Philip Nunn attended Manchester Grammar School before training as an architect. In 1850 he took control of the practice of Charles Lee, as noted in the Manchester Guardian:.

“The executors of the late Mr Charles Lee of this city, architect and surveyor, beg to announce that arrangements have been entered into with Mr Philip Nunn, architect, for carrying on the business of the late Mr Lee. Mr Nunn has full authority to collect all monies due to, and settle all claims against the estate of the late Mr Lee. “ [Manchester Guardian 16 June 1858 page 4]

Philip Nunn enjoyed a high reputation, attending the meeting of Manchester’s leading architects, held at the Clarence Hotel in the spring of 1865 to discuss professional issues and the formation of an architects’ society. He appears to have been one of the founding members of the Manchester Society of Architects, He was surveyor and architect on the estates of Sir Humphrey De Trafford, Bart and involved with the laying out of land for villa residences, such as at the Hope Estate in Pendleton.  However, references to his architectural work remain elusive. The Behrens Warehouse, 127–133 Portland Street and 61 Oxford Street, is currently his only known commission

Aged just 37, Philip Nunn died on the 10 August 1867 at 194 Oxford Road Manchester. His architectural practice was continued by his two assistants Alfred Royle and Isaac Bennett while he was succeeded as surveyor and architect on the estates of Sir Humphrey De Trafford, Bart by W M Smith, Land and Engineering Surveyor of Manchester.

*The Executrix of the late Mr PHILIP NUNN, of this city, architect and surveyor, begs to announce that arrangements have been entered into with Messrs ROYLE and BENNETT architects and surveyors, for carrying on the business of the late Mr Nunn. Messrs Royle and Bennett have full authority to collect all monies due, and to settle all claims against, the estate of the late Mr Nunn. Bellhouse and Bond, 40 Princess Street Manchester 16 September 1867.  [Manchester Guardian 1 October 1867 page 1]

*MR W M SMITH, Land and Engineering Surveyor and Architect, having been appointed the successor of the late Mr PHILIP NUNN in the office of surveyor and architect on the estates of SIR HUMPHREY DE TRAFFORD, Bart begs to announce that he has taken Offices at No 61 PRINCESS STREET, Manchester, where he will carry on the general business  of his profession. [Manchester Guardian 1 October 1867 page 1]

 Address
1858    Philip Nunn, architect. 65, King Street, Deansgate, Manchester (Post Office Directory)
1859    Philip Nunn, architect. 16 Clarence Street, Manchester (MG advert)
1860    Philip Nunn, architect. 16 Clarence Street, Manchester (MG advert)
1861    Philip Nunn, architect, surveyor and valuer. 71 Princess Street, Manchester

Residence
1861    Philip Nunn 59 Upper Brook Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock (Slater’s Directory)