James Balfour (architect)

James Balfour (1854–1917) was a Canadian architect.

James Balfour
Born1854
Hamilton, Ontario
Died1917
Hamilton, Ontario
NationalityCanadian
OccupationArchitect
PracticeHamilton, Ontario
Detroit Museum of Art, dedicated 1888. Jefferson and Hastings Street

Son of Peter Balfour, Hamilton alderman and carpenter. Educated in Hamilton. Studied architecture with the famous firm of Peddie and Kniver in Edinburgh, Scotland. Before returning to Hamilton he worked in New York City for several years. First professional mention of Balfour in Hamilton is in the 1876-7 city directory. The house still standing at 250 James Street South was one of his early designs. His larger buildings were of the Romanesque style, revived around 1870 by Henry Hobson Richardson of the United States.

Tuckett Mansion, on corner of King & Queen, now forms a portion of the complex known as the Scottish Rite. Completed in 1896 for George Elias Tuckett, founder of Tuckett Tobacco and the 27th mayor of Hamilton, City Hall on corner of James & York Boulevard (1888, demolished), both in Hamilton, Ontario.[1]

Alma College (St. Thomas, Ontario) (1878-81) and the additions (1888-89)

Balfour was also successful outside of Hamilton. In 1878-1882 designed and oversaw construction of an all-girl school, Alma College (St. Thomas, Ontario) (1878–81) and the additions (1888–89), which were destroyed by a fire on May 28, 2008.[2]

In March 1887 he won the design competition for the Detroit Museum of Art. His entry was entitled "Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty", a Romanesque style structure that was dedicated September 1, 1888.[3].

References
  1. Bailey, Thomas Melville (1981). Dictionary of Hamilton Biography (Vol I, 1791-1875). W.L. Griffin Ltd.
  2. http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/architects/view/1022
  3. Peck, William H., 1932- (1991). The Detroit Institute of Arts : a brief history. Detroit Institute of Arts. Detroit, Mich.: The Institute. p. 36. ISBN 0-89558-135-3. OCLC 24143800.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

2. Jean Rosenfeld. James Balfour a Victorian architect from Hamilton, Canada. Thesis(M.A.)--York University, 1991. ISBN 0-315-65742-1, ISBN 978-0-315-65742-7 OCLC 28016498

3. Heritage Matters. Ontario Heritage Foundation. Volume 6 Issue 3 2008

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