Blacket, Edmund (1817-1883), was an Australian architect who designed more than 50 fine buildings in the early years of Sydney’s development. Most of his buildings, which are known for their delicate Gothic Revival style, are still standing. The main buildings of the University of Sydney (completed about 1860) are considered perhaps his finest Gothic Revival designs. He also designed several Sydney churches, including St. Philip’s Church, St. Stephen’s Church, and part of St. Andrew’s Cathedral. He also designed houses and commercial buildings.
Edmund Thomas Blacket was born on Aug. 25, 1817, in Southwark, England. He taught himself architecture. In 1842, he settled in Sydney and worked as a teacher in Anglican schools. He received his first architecture commission, a church, in 1843. In 1847, he became diocesan architect. He was appointed colonial architect in 1849, resigning the position to devote himself to the University of Sydney project. Blacket died on Feb. 9, 1883.
