Documents of Philip Hardwick regarding Euston Station

Philip Hardwick (1792–1870) architect was the youngest son and fifth child of Thomas Hardwick (1752–1829), architect. He was born on 15 June 1792 at 9 Rathbone Place, London. Having been educated at Dr Barrow's school in Soho Square he became a pupil in his father's office and entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1808. Later he took over the whole practice, paying his father an annuity. Hardwick worked on numerous major commissions during his lifetime including buildings in London designed in line with Renaissance revival and Italianate palazzo styles. He also carried out a number of country house commissions in ‘Old English’ or ‘Jacobethan’ and schools and hospitals in Tudor Gothic style. He famously designed a new hall, council room, and library for Lincoln's Inn, London.

He designed the Greek style propylaeum fronting the London and Birmingham Railway terminus at Euston also called the ‘Doric arch’ (1836–8), this was modelled on the entrance to the Acropolis at Athens. The London and Birmingham Railway was the world’s first long distance railway and the arch symbolised this achievement. Hardwick also designed buildings at Euston, including flanking hotels, completed in 1839. Additions were later added by his son, Philip Charles Hardwick (1822–1892).

Hardwick was elected as vice-president of the Institute of British Architects. He acted as a judge in competitions for important commissions. He retired in 1861, died on 28 December 1870 and was buried at Kensal Green cemetery on 3 January 1871.