An architect-musician who spent several years practising as an architect in South Africa, Mumford was born in Carnarvon, North Wales and educated at Rugby School and Trinity College (Cambridge?). He was articled to an architect, John Thomas in Carnarvon and was for some years assistant surveyor under Ordnance Survey and architect on the Earl of Shrewsbury's Estate at Ingestre, Stafford.
He came to South Africa in October 1889, practising on his own account in Carnarvon, Cape, for some time. He appears to have left the Cape for Natal about 1890 since he was recorded working as an architect and surveyor in Durban from about 1890 to 1903 (he was still listed in Durban in 1905). He left Natal on his appointment to the post of Town Engineer, Kroonstad, Orange River Colony, in 1903. He resigned the following year but remained in Kroonstad, developing his considerable interest in music and winning twelve first prizes out of fourteen competitions in succession with choirs and bands at the National Eisteddfod held in Johannesburg (?) (n.d., pre-1908). Mumford became well-known as a teacher of singing and voice production, was elected a member of the Conservatoire of Music in London and finally qualified as a Licentiate Band Master. MSA. (Hillebrand 1975; Kearney 1973; N Almnc 1905; Pilkington 1992; SA music encycl 1984; SAWW 1908; UNSAL)All truncated references not fully cited in 'References' are those of Joanna Walker's original text and cited in full in the 'Bibliography' entry of the Lexicon. List of projects With photographs
With notes
Brewery Bldgs and others: pre-1908. Kroonstad, Free State - Architect
| Christ Church: 1902. Addington, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| Congregational Church: 1903. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| Holy Trinity Church - Proposed: 1895. Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| House for Sergt Benny: 1892. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| House G Jackson: 1901. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| Maris Stella Convent: 1894. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| Mosque, alt: 1903. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| School for Mosque: 1900. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| St Dominic's Academy: 1892-94. Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
| Synagogue: 1903. Kroonstad, Free State - Architect
| Victoria Hotel: pre-1908. Kroonstad, Free State - Architect
| Warehouse for Mahomed Cassim, Camroodin & Co, with T BLACKBURN: 1898. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal - Architect
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