He was disorganized, forgetful, perpetually dissolute, and famous for his tremendous benders. One year he missed fifty straight weekly meetings at the Office of Works. His supervision of the office was so poor that one man was discovered to have been on holiday for three years. When sober, however, he was much liked and widely praised for his charm, good nature, and architectural vision. A bust of him in the National Portrait Gallery in London shows him clean shaven {and indeed clean, a slightly unusual condition for him}, with a very full head of hair and a face that seems curiously mournful or perhaps just slightly hungover. Despite
The subject of the quote is a disorganized and often forgetful individual known for his excessive drinking habits, which caused significant failures in his professional responsibilities. He notoriously missed numerous meetings and even allowed an employee to take an unmonitored three-year vacation due to his poor management skills. His chaotic lifestyle, marked by frequent benders, overshadowed his professional obligations and efficiency within the Office of Works.
Despite these issues, when he was sober, he was well-liked by his peers. His charm, good nature, and architectural insight earned him admiration and respect. A bust of him in the National Portrait Gallery captures his striking appearance at his best, with a full head of hair and a somewhat somber expression that may reflect both his personality and his struggles with sobriety. This juxtaposition highlights the complexity of his character, admired for his talents yet challenged by his vices.
