Wilhelm Bockslaff

• Name — Wilhelm Bockslaff • Born — 24 October • Birthplace — Riga, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire • Died — 9 March 1945 • Place of death — Posen, Wartheland, Nazi Germany • Field — Architecture • Movement — Eclecticism, Art Nouveau • Education — Riga Polytechnicum

Wilhelm Bockslaff was born in Riga on 12 October 1858. His father was the wealthy merchant and industrialist Nicholas Ludwig Bockslaff. In 1878 he started architecture studies in Riga Polytechnicum and graduated in 1885. After graduation, he stayed in the polytechnicum to work as an assistant. He also worked in the offices of architects Johann Koch and Heinrich Scheel. Later he established his own architects office. In this period he studied the history of St. Peter's church in Riga and other medieval buildings in the city. In 1894 he married Eva Riker. Bockslaff worked mainly in eclectic styles, especially in the Neo-Gothic style. However, he also designed buildings in forms of Art Nouveau. Most notable buildings are Jaunmokas Manor near Tukums and the Commercial school in Riga (Now Art Academy of Latvia). The architect also restored many manors after the Revolution of 1905. He also has designed a large number of churches and various industrial objects such as factories and water towers. In the 1930s he designed an impressive memorial for him and his wife in Riga Great Cemetery. However, only his wife was buried there in 1939. He himself was forced to leave Latvia together with a majority of Baltic Germans and settled in Posen. He died on 9 March 1945 in the bombing of Posen. His daughter buried him in the garden of their residence. After the war he was anonymously reburied in a local cemetery.

The authorities additionally record the headings Wilhelm Ludwig Nicholas Bockslaff and Wilhelm Ludwig Nikolai Bockslaff. His recorded languages were Latvian and German. He was the child of Anna Juliane Bockslaff.

Wilhelm Bockslaff worked in architecture. His work is associated with eclecticism. He was employed by Riga Technical University. He belonged to Corps Rubonia. He worked at Riga.

Wilhelm Bockslaff is recorded with the occupation university teacher. Recorded as architect, university teacher and art historian.