(1762 - 1842)
John Kemshead was described as ‘architect’ when he exhibited two works at the Royal Academy. He advertised himself as a builder and carpenter, and worked for architect and County Surveyor of Essex John Johnson, who operated from 32 Berners Street, off Oxford Street, in 1767 (later Nos. 32-33). Kemshead lived at No. 34 (which Johnson owned) from at least 1798 until Johnson’s death in 1814. Johnson’s biographer notes: ‘Kemshead …made occasional [architectural] designs and applied for the post of county surveyor in 1816.’ Kemshead was involved in several projects, headed by Johnson, including works to the Shire Hall (1789–91) and House of Correction (1802–06), Chelmsford, and a bridge at Widford, Hertfordshire (1805). He died in Islington.
