Biography and study of John Dobson 1787-1865 John Dobson is the North East's most famous architect and was the region's first to achieve national renown. Immensely versatile in the range and styles of his buildings, he designed country houses, churches and - especially in Newcastle where he practised for over 50 years - imposing public buildings and streets. This book is based on the authors' 'John Dobson: Newcastle Architect' (Tyne & Wear Museums 1987), and is a revised and extended study and biography of Dobson.