“The job of the modern architect is the job of us all, it is to make out of the ordinary, something extraordinary” – Professor Patrick Nuttgens CBE
On Friday 14 March 2025, we unveiled our 202nd blue plaque to honour Professor Patrick Nuttgens CBE.
Click here to read more about Professor Patrick Nuttgens.
The unveiling was attended by Nuttgens’ family, former students, fellow architects and television colleagues.
Patrick, like us, was interested interested in Leeds’ transport, housing, planning and development.
Nuttgens founded Leeds Beckett University, then Leeds Polytechnic. Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett, Professor Peter Slee, spoke about using Patrick’s writings on the Polytechnic when applying for his job. He said Patrick’s founding principles still steer the university today.
Peg Alexander, broadcaster and the youngest of Patrick’s 9 children, spoke about her fathers plight to give technical education the same esteem as academic education. She highlighted that the first nursing degree in the UK was offered at Leeds Beckett.
Our own volunteer, John Harris, spoke movingly about how, coming from a working class background, it was hard to find opportunities in education. John gave up his job as a draftsman to study at Leeds Polytechnic armed with a grant. He calls this a life changing event and said he owed a lot to Nuttgens.
Screenwriter Jeremy Dyson spoke movingly too about the impact the Nuttgens family had on his life. He is a Leeds Beckett alumni and spoke of how the Nuttgens family encouraged him to pursue his talents in screenwriting.
Thank you to all those who attended!
Click here for a digital copy of the handout from the unveiling.
