William Alexander (1841 – 11 May 1904) was a Scottish architect, prominent in the late 19th century.[1] His design genre mainly included tenement buildings and theatres, and he was focussed almost exclusively in the Tayside region.[1] Several of the structures he built or worked on are today listed as Category A, Category B or Category C.
William Alexander | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1841 Scotland |
| Died | 11 May 1904 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Architect |
Early life
editAlexander was born in Dundee in 1841, the son of Charles Alexander, proprietor of the Dundee Courier.[1]
Career
editAlexander was articled to brothers James and William McLaren. After spending time in Edinburgh, he set up business, back in his hometown, around 1865.[1] By 1876, he had offices at 36 North Lindsay Street.[2]
He was appointed Dundee City Architect in 1871 or 1872, beating James McLaren by five votes, after the death of William Scott.[1] He remained in the role for over thirty years, until his death in 1904.[3] He was succeeded after death by James Thomson.[3]
Selected notable works
editThe below are some of the structures built by Alexander; he altered or made additions to many more.[1]
- Salem Chapel, Dundee (1872) – now Category C listed[4]
- Victoria Chambers, Dundee (1874) – now Category B listed[5]
- Park Brewery, Dundee (1881)[6]
- Albert Institute, Dundee (1887) – now Category A listed; Alexander designed the Eastern Galleries and its Victoria Jubilee Gardens[7]
- Perth Theatre (1900), now Category B listed[8][9]
Personal life
editIn his later years, Alexander was described as being "a big heavy man and latterly somewhat lame".[1]
Death
editAlexander died on 11 May 1904, aged about 63.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h William Alexander - Dictionary of Scottish Architects
- ^ Dundee Directory (1876), p. 19
- ^ a b History of Scottish Architecture, Miles Glendinning (2019), p. 565 ISBN 9781474468503
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Salem Street, Salem Chapel Church of Christ (LB25470)". Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "10, 12, 14 VICTORIA ROAD, VICTORIA CHAMBERS (Category B Listed Building) (LB25518)". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
- ^ British Breweries: An Architectural History, Lynn Pearson (1999), p. 195 ISBN 9780826434609
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Albert Square, Mcmanus Galleries, formerly Albert Institute, including lampstandards (LB24939)". Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "177-187 (Odd Numbers) High Street, Perth Theatre (LB39468)". Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Scotland's Splendid Theatres: Architecture and Social History from the Reformation to the Present Day, Bruce Peter (1999) ISBN 0748662618