Edwin Sachs

Edwin Otho Sachs FRSE FRGS (5 April 1870 – 9 September 1919) was a British architect and engineer of German descent, who, by his interest in theatre and working as a stagehand and fireman, specialized in the prevention of theatre fires. Furthermore, he was the technical advisor to the London Royal Opera House from 1898 until his death in 1919. Today he is probably most known as co-author of the three-volume book set Modern Opera Houses and Theatres. Life He was born in London the son of G. Sachs, a German. He studied mechanical engineering at University College, London. He then went to Germany to study architecture, qualifying in 1892. During his time in Berlin he worked with the Berlin Royal Fire Brigade and developed a life-long interest in fire prevention. He did further work with both the Vienna fire service and Paris fire service. On his return to Britain he served as vice president of the National Fire Brigades Union and founded the British Fire Prevention Committee.