Wilson Eyre Jr.

In partnership with J. Gilbert McIlvaine.

Born in Florence to a Philadelphia family, Wilson Eyre, Jr., enjoyed a prolific practice in the Philadelphia area and beyond over the course of five decades. After briefly attending M.I.T. and working in the office of James Peacock Sims for several years, Eyre took over the latter's practice following Sims's premature death in 1882. He soon achieved national repute for his Shingle-style houses and his engagingly free renderings. The heart of his work was domestic, with several very notable exceptions such as the University Museum. He was one of several founders of the T Square Club of Philadelphia in 1883. Through it and the widespread exhibition and publication of his drawings, his influence was felt widely, both locally and nationally.

Eyre worked in the firm of Eyre & McIlvaine, designers of the University of Pennsylvania Museum and other public buildings.