John Wilson Hays (architect)
Reference: D/WH Catalogue Title: John Wilson Hays (architect) Area: Catalogue Category: Business and Industry Records Description:
Covering Dates: mid 19th century; 1891-1967
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- John Wilson Hays (architect)
Catalogue Description
John Wilson Hays FRIBAJohn Wilson Hays was born in Wingate on 19 May 1885. He was articled as an architect and surveyor for five years to H.T. Gradon, ARIBA, of Durham City. He afterwards acted as Graydon's assistant and began to practise on his own account in April 1908 in Central Chambers, Wingate. He married in November 1915 and served in the First World War, attaining the rank of Captain. He was wounded in the left hand in 1918 and was repatriated. He left the army in 1919.
On 5 June 1919 John Wilson Hays was appointed as Housing Architect to Easington RDC. In order to preserve his private business he entered into partnership with G.H. Gray FRIBA. At this time all council business was carried on alongside private business in the offices at Wingate (because of this, plans for local authority work are included in the main body of architect's business as D/WH 1/172-222). On 24 April 1932 he was taken on to the permanent staff of Easington RDC, and given the post of Housing Architect and Estate Manager. In February 1937, T. Walton, Building Manager for Easington RDC, brought an action for slander against a Mr. Webster in which allegations of malpractices involving J.W. Hays were made. These allegations were, however, withdrawn in court. As a result of these allegations Easington RDC asked Hays to dissolve his partnership with Gray. This was done in March 1937, and in October 1937 Hays moved into offices at Easington RDC. On 9 June 1938, Councillors Peart and Forster accused J. W. Hays of misconduct concerning defective bricks, and on the recommendation of Councillor Cain, Hays and two other council employees were suspended from duty on 7 July 1938. Hays received three months wages in lieu of notice to terminate his appointment.
He continued to practise privately as an architect and surveyor from 1938 to 1940. In the latter year, he was appointed Garrison Engineer and later became assistant deputy commander in the Royal Engineers (Camps). He was released from the army in 1942 at the age of 57. He was forced to refuse various offers of employment because of the illness and subsequent death of his wife. He returned to private practice and was mainly employed by the Miners' Welfare Commission.
Catalogue Contents
PRIVATE HOUSING
Belmont, Blue House Farm
Sunderland, Ravensworth Street and Esh, Briar House
1/75/1 Correspondence re the sale of Briar House, Esh, and 3 North Ravensworth Street, Sunderland, for Lilian Rutter, 2 November 1948 - 7 February 1951
(2 files, 16 papers)
Seaton
Wingate, Wellfield Road
1/162/1 Correspondence re proposed bungalow for G. Hughes on Wellfield Road, Wingate, 24 July 1957 - 17 January 1963
(1 file)
LOCAL AUTHORITY AND PUBLIC WORKS
Benfieldside County School
PUBLIC HOUSES AND WORKING MEN'S CLUBS
Blackhall Colliery, Hardwick Hotel
CHURCH PROPERTY
Blackhall Colliery, Middle Street Methodist Church
Wingate, Holy Trinity, War Memorial
1/299/1 Correspondence re memorial clock, tablet, seats, garden and tower at Wingate, 6 October 1947 - 8 May 1957
(1 file)
Wingate, Methodist Church
1/300/1 Correspondence re alterations and repairs to Wingate Methodist Church, 10 December 1960 - 8 December 1961
(1 file)