The Victorian Society is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lord Howarth of Newport, who had served as a Vice President of the Society since 2010.
Lord Howarth was a tireless advocate for culture and architecture throughout his distinguished career in both Houses of Parliament. He championed museums, planning, and local listing, frequently securing debates in the Upper House to bring vital issues to national attention.
Most recently, he lent his support to the Society’s campaign in the Lords to amend Permitted Development laws that otherwise allow the demolition of unlisted buildings without the need for planning permission. He also signed our President Griff Rhys Jones’s letter to The Times urging the protection of Liverpool Street Station, which remains the subject of devastatingly harmful redevelopment proposals.
As Arts Minister from 1998 to 2001, Lord Howarth advanced the cause of excellence in public sector design. He oversaw the establishment of CABE, the Prime Minister’s Better Public Buildings initiative, and the introduction of departmental design champions across government.
In 2003, as a former Architecture Minister, he played a leading role in the Architects’ Journal Country House campaign, while also fighting in the Commons to preserve the planning exception for isolated country houses of outstanding architectural quality. He urged that planning permissions for such houses be reviewed by CABE, and expressed his hope for more, and distinguished, contemporary designs.
In the Lords, Lord Howarth supported numerous organisations across the cultural, arts, and health sectors. In addition to the Victorian Society, he also supported the Royal Pavilion and Museums Foundation Brighton, the Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust, Gainsborough’s House Museum, Milton’s Cottage Trust, the Kedleston Estate, and the Little Missenden Festival of the Arts. He also served as President of the Association of Art and Antiques Dealers (LAPADA).
The Victorian Society wishes to record its gratitude for Lord Howarth’s 15 years’ service, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family.
Lord Howarth of Newport. Photo (c) House of Lords.
