William John Hale

William John Hale (March 1862 – 25 November 1929) was an architect based in Sheffield, England, who produced the city's most striking early 20th-century architecture.

The newly wed Hales became members of Fulwood Wesley Chapel, a high-status place of worship in an affluent suburb.

In 1892 the couple's only child, Doris Mary, was born and on 1 December of that year Hale, at the age of thirty, established his own business as an architect.

Hale's first public commission for his company was the designing of Stephen Hill Wesleyan Chapel at Crosspool which opened in March 1896.

Hale's experience with school design whilst training with Innocent and Brown was a big factor in winning the contract.

Initially it had places for 815 pupils and today it is still in excellent condition despite its exposed position: a tribute to Hale's design and the quality of materials used.

The Ibbotson family were generous benefactors to the Low Bradfied project, allowing Hale to indulge in detailing which a small village could not otherwise have afforded.

A similar situation arose at St Luke's with Samuel Meggitt Johnson, owner of the George Bassett confectionery company, who paid for the entire cost, with Hale finishing the building with some flair and facing the building with Bole Hill stone and a Matlock stone dressing, with intricate carving by Frank Tory.

It features windows with elaborate lintels, ornate keystones over the doors and decorative drainpipes, as Hale introduced aspects of Baroque into his work.

He may have been influenced by John Wesley's thinking, who believed the design offered better acoustics for the preacher, along with improved use of space for seating and a clear view for the congregation.

Hale's final career phase was between 1926 and his death in 1929, during which time he constructed five churches in a strong geometric modern style, with little historical detailing.