Home | Our Stories |
Geoffrey’s Story: A 66-Year Legacy of Support and Service with ABS
Architect
|
Stories
Mr. Geoffrey Pink, retired architect, aged 93 years old, has been a steadfast supporter of the Architects Benevolent Society for an astounding 66 years, making him our longest-serving donor. Geoffrey’s unwavering commitment and generosity have profoundly impacted those in need within the architectural community. We are immensely grateful for his loyalty over the decades.
The Architects Benevolent Society recently had the pleasure of visiting Geoffrey at his home in Surbiton to express our gratitude and learn more about his remarkable career as an architect.
How did you become an architect?
“After leaving school at 17 in 1948, my headmaster asked me, ‘Well, Pink, what will you do when you leave?’ I replied, ‘I would like to be an architectural draughtsman, Sir.’ ‘Nonsense, boy,’ he said. ‘We’ll make you an architect.’ The headmaster then connected me with my first practice, Nicholas and Dixon-Spain, in Hanover Square. It was a very varied practice.
I continued my studies to qualify as an architect, attending night school and taking my professional exams at RIBA.”
One of Geoffrey’s earliest tasks was preparing drawing ink from Chinese sticks. In the early 1950s, much of his work involved repairing war damage, with many bomb sites still vacant across the West End.
Later, Geoffrey served as the principal conservation planning officer with Surrey County Council, furthering his architectural journey and deepening his passion for history. His work left a lasting legacy in the preservation of significant heritage sites.
“As soon as I began working at Nicholas and Dixon-Spain, I learned about the Architects Benevolent Society and later attended one of their fundraising balls at the Dorchester Hotel with my wife, Mary. I also visited Frenchlands Hatch in East Horsley, a series of bungalows for beneficiaries owned by the Architects Benevolent Society.”
What made you start donating to the Architects Benevolent Society?
“I have always supported selected charities and tried to help others. I believe it’s important to assist those less fortunate than ourselves.”
I have always supported selected charities and tried to help others. I believe it’s important to assist those less fortunate than ourselves.
Geoffrey Pink’s journey from an aspiring architectural draughtsman to a respected architect and conservation planning officer is a testament to his passion and dedication. His 66 years of unwavering support for the Architects Benevolent Society highlight not only his generosity but also his deep commitment to giving back to the community that shaped his career. Geoffrey’s contributions, both professional and philanthropic, have left an indelible mark on the architectural world, inspiring future generations to continue building a legacy of compassion and service.
By joining ABS’s incredible group of fundraisers, you can make a real difference and ensure that architects in need continue to receive the support they deserve.
Thanks to RIBA and in recognition of his long-standing support of the Architects Benevolent Society, Geoffrey now enjoys a complimentary subscription to the RIBA Journal, allowing him to stay connected with the profession he holds dear.
