William Alexander (architect)

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
Born1841
Scotland
Died11 May 1904
NationalityBritish
OccupationArchitect

Early life

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Alexander was born in Dundee in 1841, the son of Charles Alexander, proprietor of the Dundee Courier.[1]

Career

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Alexander 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]

 
Perth Theatre, 2008

Selected notable works

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The below are some of the structures built by Alexander; he altered or made additions to many more.[1]

Personal life

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In his later years, Alexander was described as being "a big heavy man and latterly somewhat lame".[1]

Death

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Alexander died on 11 May 1904, aged about 63.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h William Alexander - Dictionary of Scottish Architects
  2. ^ Dundee Directory (1876), p. 19
  3. ^ a b History of Scottish Architecture, Miles Glendinning (2019), p. 565 ISBN 9781474468503
  4. ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Salem Street, Salem Chapel Church of Christ (LB25470)". Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  5. ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "10, 12, 14 VICTORIA ROAD, VICTORIA CHAMBERS (Category B Listed Building) (LB25518)". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  6. ^ British Breweries: An Architectural History, Lynn Pearson (1999), p. 195 ISBN 9780826434609
  7. ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Albert Square, Mcmanus Galleries, formerly Albert Institute, including lampstandards (LB24939)". Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  8. ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "177-187 (Odd Numbers) High Street, Perth Theatre (LB39468)". Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  9. ^ Scotland's Splendid Theatres: Architecture and Social History from the Reformation to the Present Day, Bruce Peter (1999) ISBN 0748662618