A RETIRED Torbay architect is 'one of the unsung heroes of 20th century design' says a national campaign group keen to see Mervyn Seal receive the recognition he deserves.

The group is lobbying English Heritage, an advisory agency of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, officially to list his distinctive butterfly design house in Brixham as a major icon of modern design.

Jon Wright of the 20th Century Society said: "He's a true local hero.

"We are trying to persuade the Secretary of State to approve the Grade II listing of Parkham Wood House in Parkham Road in Brixham.

"There are other examples of the butterfly series at Coridon House in Petitor Road, Torquay, Elbury Hall at Churston Ferrers and Kaywana Hall at Kingswear."

Several have been substantially altered over time.

"Parkham Wood House is a stunning example of post-war modern domestic architecture, built in the 1960s, which retains most of its original features," said Mr Wright

He said Mr Seal's work had been overlooked for many years because he was based in the provinces. It was only in more recent times that the significance of his work was being more widely appreciated.

Society supporters and officials recently made a weekend study tour of other Seal designs, including Oaklands Park at Dawlish.

Mr Wright explained: "Mr Seal successfully recreated a stepped coastal village at Dawlish. This development has been admired and much copied elsewhere in the UK."

But changes since the 1960s have obscured some of the buildings.

He added: "It's a shame for example that huge trees have grown up in front of the house in Brixham. It means not many people get to appreciate it from a distance."

The trip also incorporated visits to buildings by other architects.

These included the Barn Theatre and William Lescaze's Warren House on the Dartington Estate; the Arts and Crafts Movement-inspired Coleton Fishacre near Kingswear, and the Art Deco (Jazz Moderne) building Sunpark in Brixham designed by Melville Aubin.

Mr Wright added: "Mervyn Seal is a significant regional figure whose work was much admired at the time for its modern elan and drama."

Parkham Wood House's new owner is solicitor Alex Ball who has joined forces with previous owner Alan Powell to support the listing moves.

Mr Ball said: "We saw it advertised for sale in The Guardian as one of the properties of the week. On viewing, we greatly liked it but were told it was sold subject to contract. Fortunately, this fell through and we completed in March this year."

The Balls, who are delighted by their acquisition, support the society's campaign and have already started on a careful programme of restoring neglected areas and some exterior maintenance.

Mr Powell said: "This house is a spectacular one-off. It's no bigger than a bungalow and no more expensive, fit for a poor man or a millionaire. We greatly enjoyed living in it."

Mr Seal, 78, lives in retirement in Wellswood, Torquay.

He said he was 'stunned and surprised' by the listing campaign and was delighted to assist the society on their study tour around South Devon.

Mr Wright confirmed that he expected a definite answer on the listing proposal from Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism 'before the end of the year'.