THE death of Tony Burns (Echo, June 24) has deprived the region of a widely respected and talented architect who produced a substantial body of quality work over half a century. Much was done under his own practice name for which he received due recognition through awards and commendations.

But, as your report noted, he was also the relatively unknown designer of the Durham Light Infantry Museum in Durham City, built between 1964 and 1968, when he worked for Tarren and Caller.

An internal competition was held between the architects within the practice and Tony’s design was chosen. It was one of his most elegant buildings. Deceptively simple, it set a solid white first floor over a darkly glazed ground floor, the two elements linked by a beautifully shaped semicircular staircase, all set on the edge of a small lake in extensive landscaped grounds.

The “DLI” was a modern classic and had it survived unscathed it would have been a strong candidate for listing – a rare achievement for a modern building.

Sadly, it was extended in the Nineties making it a better museum with improved facilities, but the additions completely failed to respect the architectural quality of the original building.

Tony Burns will be remembered by many people for the wideranging work of his practice, but we should not forget he also gave Durham and the North-East one of its finest modern buildings.

Martin Roberts, West Auckland.