Their sister Mary Smirke was a noted painter and translator.

He became an associate of the Royal Academy in 1847 and was elected a full Academician in 1859.

He served as RA Treasurer from 1861 to 1874, and was professor of Architecture from 1860 to 1865.

He married Isabella Dobson, daughter of Newcastle upon Tyne architect John Dobson on 8 December 1840 at Newcastle upon Tyne.

[3] Among Smirke's numerous apprentices was the successful York architect George Fowler Jones.