Sydney Ancher

Sydney Edward Cambrian Ancher ARAIA ARIBA (25 February 1904 – 8 December 1979), was an Australian architect from Woollahra, Sydney. His fascination with Europe contributed to the introduction of European internationalism in Australia. He also had a significant impact on the establishment of modern domestic architecture.^[1]

Sydney Ancher in December 1948.

Early life

Sydney Ancher was the son of New Zealand journalist Edward Albert Ancher and his Australian wife Ethel Puah, née Parsons. He was educated at Mosman Superior Public, North Sydney Boys’ High and Sydney Technical High School.

Sydney Ancher’s House was constructed in 1955, on Bogota Avenue, Sydney. The two story dwelling comprises a lower garage and upper living quarters with an open patio space. The interior has varnished wooden flooring and a lighting system made from a series of rectangles.

Notable Projects

• Northbourne Housing Precinct, Canberra, ACT, 1960's
• Prevost House, Sydney, NSW, 1935 [1]
• Ancher House, 3 Maytone Avenue, Killara, NSW, 1945 [2]
• Farley House, North Curl Curl, NSW, 1948 [3]
• House, Killeaton Street, St Ives, NSW, 1950 [4]
• Sydney Ancher House, Sydney, NSW, 1957 [5]

Family life

On 26 November 1926 he married Aaletha Ethel Hasemer, a stenographer, at the Presbyterian Church, Mosman, Australia.

Retirement

Ancher retired in 1966. His wife died in 1970 and he died on 8 December 1979 in hospital at Waratah. He was cremated.