Samuel Maclure (1860-1929) – Butchart Gardens History

Samuel Maclure (1860-1929)

Please note that this page is UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

Samuel Maclure (1860-1929) was a Victoria architect who did a lot of work for Robert Butchart and Jennie Butchart over a period of nearly three decades.

He designed many of the familiar historic buildings which are now part of the Butchart Gardens as well as several additions to Benvenuto, the Butcharts’ residence at Butchart Gardens.

Samuel Maclure (1860-1929) was the Butcharts' favorite architect. He designed several buildings at Butchart Gardens along with several additions to Benvenuto, the Butcharts' residence at Butchart Gardens (City of Victoria Archives photo M06101) — Samuel Maclure (1860-1929) was the Butcharts’ favorite architect. He designed several buildings at Butchart Gardens along with several additions to Benvenuto, the Butcharts’ residence at Butchart Gardens (City of Victoria Archives photo M06101)

Samuel Maclure also designed landscapes and may been responsible for the early design of the Sunken Garden and other features of the Butchart Gardens.It was through Samuel Maclure’s recommendation that landscape architect Raoul Robillard and his father Arthur Robillard came to work for Jennie Butchart at Benvenuto circa 1916-1918. Raoul Robillard is credited with designing significant portions of the Sunken Garden for Jennie Butchart.

Some Samuel Maclure Designs For Robert Butchart and Jennie Butchart

Here are some of Samuel Maclure’s designs at Benvenuto, the Butchart Gardens and for Butchart family members, listed in chronological order:

942-944 St. Charles Street, Victoria

942-944 St. Charles Street, Wilmar, 2005 (photo by Author)

1911

In 1911 Samuel Maclure designed a Sun Room addition to Benvenuto, the Butcharts’ house at Tod Inlet.

1913

In 1913 Samuel Maclure designed several significant additions to Benvenuto, the Butcharts’ house at Butchart Gardens.

1916

2031 Runnymede Avenue, Oak Bay

Designed in 1916 for Harry Ross and Jennie Ross (nee Butchart):

2031 Runnymede Avenue, November 2002. This house was designed by architect Samuel Maclure in 1916. (photo by Author)

1919

Sun Room Extension, Benvenuto, 1919

1920-1921

Jennie Butchart’s Private Garden, Benvenuto, 1920-1921

Detail from Samuel Maclure drawing for "Garden House & Trelliage" for Jennie Butchart's Private Garden, 1920. This design is still in place. (courtesy of UVic Library - Special Collections) — Detail from Samuel Maclure drawing for “Garden House & Trelliage” for Jennie Butchart’s Private Garden, 1920. This design is still in place. (courtesy of UVic Library – Special Collections)

Jennie Butchart's Private Garden, designed and built in 1920-1921 by architect Samuel Maclure (photo by Author) — Jennie Butchart’s Private Garden, designed and built in 1920-1921 by architect Samuel Maclure. This photo was taken in August. (photo by Author)

1925

Arbor Against House, Benvenuto, 1925

In 1925 Samuel Maclure designed an “Arbor Against House” for the Butchart’s planned Italian Garden.

Samuel Maclure design for "Arbor Against House" for the Italian Garden, 1925 (courtesy of UVic Library - Special Collections) — Samuel Maclure design for “Arbor Against House” for the Italian Garden, 1925 (courtesy of UVic Library – Special Collections)

One of the "Arbor Against House" designed by architect Samuel Maclure for the Italian Garden in 1925. (photo by Author) — One of the “Arbor Against House” designed by architect Samuel Maclure for the Italian Garden in 1925. (photo by Author)

Samuel Maclure architectural drawing for the Duck House at Benvenuto, circa 1925. (Courtesy of UVic Library - Special Collections). — Samuel Maclure architectural drawing for the Duck House at Benvenuto, circa 1925. (Courtesy of UVic Library – Special Collections).

Here are some other buildings designed by Samuel Maclure which are associated with other people mentioned in our Butchart Gardens History:

906 Pemberton Road, Victoria. Built in 1910-1911 by architect Samuel Maclure for Edward and Lola Grierson (photo by Author) — 906 Pemberton Road, Victoria. Built in 1910-1911 by architect Samuel Maclure for Edward and Lola Grierson Alfred C. Flumerfelt moved into this house when he married Lola Grierson in 1926. (photo by Author)

Would you like to leave a comment or question about anything on this page?