Basic Biographical Details Name: | David Robertson | Designation: | | Born: | 2 October 1885 | Died: | October 1944(?) | Bio Notes: | David Robertson was born on 2 October 1885 and was articled to Mitchell & Whitelaw of Glasgow in 1902, studying at Glasgow School of Architecture, the Royal Technical College and Glasgow University. During the early years of his training he spent his holidays sketching and measuring in Oxford, Cambridge, York and other cathedral towns, and at Haddon Hall and Stokesay Castle. He transferred to the office of Stewart & Paterson in 1906 and remained as assistant after completing his apprenticeship in 1907. Over the next five years he worked for several Glasgow firms including Campbell Douglas & Paterson. He won the Alexander Thomson Scholarship in 1909, enabling him to spend a year in Italy, and at other times during these years travelled in France and Belgium as well as spending a further year in Italy.
In 1912 he moved to Dumfries where he joined the firm of Barbour & Bowie as chief assistant. He undertook war service from 1915 until January 1919 but was made a partner in the practice on his return, although the practice title remained as Barbour & Bowie. He was admitted ARIBA in mid-1919, his proposers being John Watson, David Salmond, and John Keppie, who wrote in his supporting statement: 'I have a high opinion of Mr Robertson's attainment as an Architect, his design for the Thomson Memorial was excellent, he makes an accomplished draughtsman.'
Robertson left Barbour & Bowie in 1924. By the time of his election as FRIBA in 1939 he was working for the Middlesex County Council; his nomination papers state that he had had 'Numerous Editions of Original Etchings published by H C Dickens 9 Gt Poultney Street London'. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | | 53, Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland | Business | 1912 | After 1919 | | | 14, Gordon Street, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland | Private | 1919 * | | | | 26 Clare Court, Judd Street, Bloomsbury, London, England | Private/business(?) | 1938 or 1939 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Employment and TrainingEmployers
RIBARIBA ProposersThe following individuals proposed this for RIBA membership (click on an item to view details): | | Name | Date proposed | Notes | | John Keppie | Mid 1919 | for Associateship | | David Salmond | Mid 1919 | for Associateship | | John Watson | Mid 1919 | for Associateship |
Buildings and DesignsThis was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details): | | Date started | Building name | Town, district or village | Island | City or county | Country | Notes | | After 1912 | Brocklehirst House | | | Dumfriesshire | Scotland | Remodelling and extension - as chief assistant or partner in firm of Barbour & Bowie | | After 1912 | Farm buildings for H Keswick Esq, including piggeries and cottages | | | Dumfriesshire | Scotland | | | After 1912 | Housing Scheme | Maxwelltown, Dumfries | | Dumfriesshire | Scotland | As chief assistant or partner in the firm of Barbour & Bowie | | After 1912 | Shooting Lodge | Kirkcudbright | | Kirkcudbrightshire | Scotland | As chief assistant or partner in the firm of Barbour & Bowie | | After 1912 | St Andrews RC Pro-Cathedral | Dumfries | | Dumfriesshire | Scotland | Alterations (baptistery) - as chief assistant or partner in the firm of Barbour & Bowie | | 1914 | Barjarg Tower | | | Dumfriesshire | Scotland | Major remodelling - as chief assistant to Barbour & Bowie |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | British Architectural Library, RIBA | 2001 | Directory of British Architects 1834-1914 | | | |
Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | | Builder | 13 October 1944 | v167 | | p300 - obituary |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | A v25 no2827 (microfilm reel 23); F no3509 (box 24) |
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