Basic Biographical Details Name: | Richard Mercer Blaikie | Designation: | | Born: | 1935 | Died: | 6 October 2009 | Bio Notes: | Richard Mercer Blaikie (always known as Mercer Blaikie) was born in Denbeath, Fife in 1935 and attended Buckhaven High School. He qualified in architecture at Dundee College of Art, and began his career in the office of Wheeler & Sproson in Kirkcaldy. He was admitted ARIBA and ARIAS in 1961. After a spell in Belfast with the architectural practice Munce & Kennedy, he returned to Scotland in 1967 to join Dundee Council’s Architect’s Department. In the early 1970s he was Chief Architect for Fraser Construction.
He went into independent practice in Broughty Ferry in 1975, his work including hospital buildings, commercial premises, private houses and conservation projects. For many years he served as honorary architect to the Episcopal Church in Brechin. His practice amalgamated with that of Shearer & Annan in 1990 to become Blaikie Johnston Withers. In 1994 Blaikie is listed as working in practice in his own account as Mercer Blaikie Associates. It closed in 1994.
Blaikie enjoyed sport, being a lifelong supporter of East Fife Football Club and a member of Panmure Golf Club and Broughty Bowling Club. He was also a skilled bridge player, and appreciated fine wines. His interest in contemporary art led him to amass a substantial collection of modern works, which were displayed in the family home he built for himself in Broughty Ferry.
He died peacefully at home on 6 October 2009, survived by his wife Eunice, his daughter and son Jane and Andrew and their respective families, including five grandchildren. A private burial service took place on 9 October, and a memorial service was held at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Broughty Ferry on 27 October.
| Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | | Dunfermline, Scotland | Business | | | Branch office? | | 167 or 197 , Brook Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland | Business(?) | | | 197 from 1979 until at least 1994. | | 52, Forth Street, Denbeath, Methil, Fife, Scotland | Private | c. 1960 | | | | 37, Spencer Place, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland | Private | 1961 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
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ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | Bailey, Rebecca M | 1996 | Scottish architects' papers: a source book | | Edinburgh: The Rutland Press | p109 | | RIBA | 1961 | Kalendar 1960-61 | | | | | RIBA | 1965 | The RIBA Kalendar | | | | | RIBA | 1970 | RIBA Directory 1970 | | | | | RIBA | 1979 | Directory of members | | | | | RIBA | 1984 | RIBA Directory of members | | | | | RIBA | 1986 | RIBA Directory of Members 1986 | | | | | RIBA | 1994 | A Directory of RIBA Members | | | | | Willis, Peter | 1977 | New architecture in Scotland | | | p92-5 Ninewells Hospital |
Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | | RIAS Quarterly | 2010 | Spring | Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) | p.110: obituary |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | RIAS, Rutland Square | Records of membership | | |
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