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

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

Career

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

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

Personal life

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

Death

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

References
  1. William Alexander - Dictionary of Scottish Architects
  2. Dundee Directory (1876), p. 19
  3. 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
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