hi i am a HK journalist, and doing research for Lawrence Gibbs(1865-1943, civil engineer), i'd like to write an article about him, however even i have already gathered many information, I couldn't find his photo.
he was in HK from 1890-1928, working for Public Works Department(10 years) then later in a private firm Messr Denison, Ram (he became partner a year later , and the firm changed the name as "Messr Denison, Ram and Gibbs" , 28 years)
his did a lot of important work as an engineer during his time in hk, the most famous one lately known as "Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir ( "Bishop's Hill" /" Mission Hill", possible named as "Kowloon Reservoir" at that time ). Tai Po Lookout also built by him and it was his residence. for such an important role, i think people should pay more tribute to him, that's why i started to gather his information.
i also found a book he wrote about fern in HK, but there was no picture of him, only his drawings.
other info:
- his wife's name is Ellen Maria Gibbs, she passed away in HK in 1910, they had a daughter, named Catherine Marjorie, the daughter was born on 5th March, 1900, and being baptised on 2rd June 1900 in st. john's cathedral.
- when Lawrence Gibbs left HK, he was single. he went to Australia first.
- his obituary appeared on kent & sussex courier on 10th JUL 1942. he passed at wirksworth ashdown road forest row.
- he was a secretary of "Horticultural Society" for many years (in HK)
- he also responsible for the Laichikok waterworks scheme and catchwater, first motor road Jubilee and later Victoria road
- he was a Justice of the Peace of HK
- he was member of the Institute of Engineers
- he acted as arbitrator under the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance
- he was an authorised Architects which was published on the introduction of the Public Health and Building Ordinance in 1903 , he was first on the list.
i am sure there are some photos of him in the world somewhere, don't know if any experts have some hints for me to look?
thanks a lot! sorry for my poor english.
Comments
Lawrence Gibbs 19 Dec 1865 - 26 April 1942
UK Birth Index Lawrence Gibbs registered Quarter 1 1866 at Gainsbro (alternative name for Gainsborough) (local records office would have been closed end December to beginning of January Public Holidays Christmas and New Year).
UK Civil Engineering Records dated 5 January 1892
Lawrence Gibbs born 20 December 1865. On 29 December 1891 elected by his peers as a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers.
In the 1939 UK Ration Book Census there is a Lawrence Gibbs living at Wicksworth, Uckfield, Sussex, widower, retired born 19 December 1865. At the same address is Nellie Gibbs age 76 single ? His sister ?
Comments above "he passed at Wirksworth" and Probate Calendar seem to confirm that the 1939 Census is linked apart from the date of birth discrepancy and house name and place of death.
UK Probate Calendar Lawrence Gibbs of Wirksworth Ashdown Road Forest Row Sussex died 26 April 1942 at the Stanboroughs Rest Home, Colemans Hatch, Sussex
Per the Hong Kong Telegraph…
Per the Hong Kong Telegraph as cited in David's comment here, Denison, Ram & Gibbs were also the architects responsible for the Repulse Bay Hotel. Wikipedia's entry on Edward Ram says they also designed the Matilda Hospital, the University of Hong Kong's Eliot and May halls, the Helena May club building and several club houses for the Hong Kong Golf Club.