FRERE HALL

A STUNNING COLONIAL
HERITAGE IN KARACHI,
PAKISTAN
Frere Hall was constructed as a nod to namesake Sir Henry Bartle
Edward Frere. Frere was a prominent figure who played a major
role in Karachi’s economic expansion.

Henry Saint Clair Wilkins designed Frere Hall. Wilkins was a

prominent architect who before that was part of the British army.
Frere Hall is in many ways of symbol of Karachi’s dwindling
heritage.

People who visit Karachi often can’t forget the sight of this
structure.
 History and Background
Sir Bartle Frere, the Commissioner of Sindh during the
colonial period. He had gained considerable popularity in
India for making Sindhi the local language of the province of
Sindh juxtapose to Persian. Altogether 12 different designs
were proposed for this building. The one proposed by Lt. Col
Clair Wilson was finalized.

In 1877, the Frere Hall was the seat of the meeting,

conducted by the British rulers to finalize the rules of
Badminton sport . The game was extremely popular in the
days.

In 1986, Sadequain started painting his pièce de résistance on

the ceilings of the Frere Hall but his life completed full circle
before finishing the magnanimous painting which still hangs
half completed mourning the death of the artist
 Architecture
The design of the building was finalized after a prudent
selection of design and material and stands as one of
the most iconic buildings of British Raj era. The building
is made in the Neo Venetian Gothic style from local
yellowish limestone.

The arch shape windows, decorated with mosaic

stonework are a major inlet of sunlight from all four
sides. The quatrefoils appear on the windows and re
appear the scene, neatly flanked on the balcony’s
boundary wall. The Venetian style arches are beautified
by the long octagonal tower. The tower is bordered by a
crown shaped boundary and capped with an iron cage.
 Stunning Gardens
Frere Hall is a wonderful destination for people who appreciate historic
elements, books and so much more. It’s also a terrific destination for
fans of nature and lovely scenery in general. The structure is
surrounded by gardens that are meticulous and lush. If you want to
feast your eyes on the finest things nature has to offer, you should pay
careful attention to these gardens. They complement the Venetian
Gothic structure extremely well.

The gardens were introduced in 1887 and 1888, years after the
building’s construction was finished. Frere Hall construction work began
in the summer of 1863 and ended more than two years later in the fall
of 1865. The lawns were initially called “King’s Lawn” and “Queen’s
Lawn.” They’re now known as Jinnah Garden. The name change took
place after the nation got its independence.
PRESENTED BY

WAJEEHA REHMAN-(AR-004)
AYESHA ZULFIKAR (AR-007)
MAHEEN-(AR-025)