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    Ptolemy Dean

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    Ptolemy Dean is an architect, writer, television presenter and expert in the preservation of old buildings who since 2012 has been Surveyor of the Fabric at Westminster Abbey. His practice, Ptolemy Dean architects, specialises in conservation work and additions to historic buildings, and the design of new buildings in sensitive locations.

    53 years ago, a Wren masterpiece was replaced with a glorified roundabout. We must not make the same mistake again

    The plans to rid Christ Church Newgate Street of traffic should be cause for celebration — but a mistake as bad as the one made in the 1970s is about to happen, says Ptolemy Dean.

    By Ptolemy Dean Published 26 November 25

    • Fig 2: The Westgate at Canterbury, Kent, frames a view into the historic heart of the city along St Peter’s Street.
      Ptolemy Dean: The magic that happens when you stop to draw a place, instead of just taking a photograph

      A new book examines the streetscapes of our historic towns and marvels at what we can easily take for granted. Its author, Ptolemy Dean, encourages us to recognise their importance and considers what we can learn from them. Illustrations by Ptolemy Dean.

      By Ptolemy Dean Published 20 October 24

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