Osbert Lancaster’s architectural illustrations

Posted 1 July 2025 by Jane

Osbert Lancaster (1908 – 1986) was an English cartoonist, architectural historian, stage designer, and author. A prolific artist, he published nine books on architecture alone. The illustrations below are a small selection from books in my collection. I love his style of illustration, which shares his passion for architectural heritage while weaving comedy and satire into his work.

Facades and faces, 1950

Possibly my favourite series, his use of shadow, detail and empty spaces are expertly executed.

Pillar to Post, 1938

Exteriors of buildings from ancient times to the present day.

Classical Landscape with Figures, 1947

In 1944 Osbert Lancaster was posted to Greece as press attaché to the British embassy. He fell in love with the country and repeatedly visited throughout the rest of his life.