James Davidson (Scottish architect)

James Davidson, JP FRIBA (1848 – April 1923) was a Scottish architect.[1][2] He also served as a Provost of Coatbridge and a President of Airdrie Savings Bank.

James Davidson
Born1848
DiedApril 1923 (aged 74–75)
NationalityBritish
Alma materAirdrie Academy
OccupationArchitect
ChildrenAlexander Davidson
Parent(s)Alexander "Sandy" Davidson
PracticeJames Davidson & Son
BuildingsKing's Theatre, Edinburgh, Airdrie Savings Bank

Early life and education

Davidson was born in 1848 in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, the son of a weaver. He was educated at Airdrie Academy and initially trained as a joiner. As a teenager he moved to Glasgow and attended classes at the Athenaeum in Ingram Street.[1]

Career

In 1905 and 1906, Davidson designed the King's Theatre, Edinburgh, in collaboration with J. D. Swanston.[3] Davidson was responsible for designing the exterior and Swanston designed the interior.

Davidson designed many schools for the Old Monklands School Board between 1892 and 1914. These included Calderbank Public School (1892), Bargeddie Primary School (1894), Greenhill Primary School (1902), Gartsherrie Primary School (1906) and Langloan Primary School (1914).[3]

On 10 November 1909, Davidson was elected Provost of Coatbridge.[4] He continued in this role until 1912.[3]

In 1920 he designed the building of Airdrie Savings Bank.[5] From 1921 until his death in April 1923, Davidson served as the tenth President of Airdrie Savings Bank.[2]

Personal life

In 1877 and 1878, Davidson served as the Master of the Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203, part of the Freemasons.[6]

References
  1. "DSA Architect Biography Report for James Davidson". Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
  2. Knox, James (1927). The Triumph of Thrift. Airdrie: Baird & Hamilton, Ltd. pp. 266–267.
  3. Historic Environment Scotland. "Bargeddie, Coatbridge Road, Bargeddie Primary School... (LB49534)". Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  4. "Lodge History". Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203. Retrieved 13 July 2015. Brother James Davidson P.M. was elected as Provost of Coatbridge on the 10th of Nov. 1909 and the congratulations of the lodge were conveyed to him.
  5. "A Brief History of Lodge Old Monkland St James 177". Lodge Old Monkland St James No 177. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  6. "List of Past Masters". Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203. Retrieved 13 July 2015.


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