James Matthews (architect) explained

James Matthews
Nationality:British
Birth Date:December 1819
Birth Place:Aberdeen, Scotland
Death Place:Aberdeen, Scotland

James Matthews (12 December 1819 – 28 June 1898) was a prominent 19th-century architect in northern Scotland who also served as Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1883 to 1886 during which time he enacted an important city improvement plan. His work as an architect is largely in the Scots baronial style.

Life

He was born in December 1819, the son of Peter Matthews, a bank teller, living on Thistle Street in Aberdeen.[1] His mother was Margaret Ross, daughter of the architect William Ross who had built the Union Bridge in the centre of the city.

In 1834 he was articled to the local architect, Archibald Simpson to train as an architect. Here he met Thomas MacKenzie (1814-1854) whom he later went into partnership with. In 1839 he took the radical step of moving to London to work under George Gilbert Scott where he honed his design and business skills. Returning to Aberdeen in 1844 Simpson offered him a partnership but he instead set up with his assistant to create MacKenzie & Matthews.[2]

In 1850 he was living at 16 Adelphi Court in Aberdeen[3] Following Mackenzie's death in 1854 Matthews practiced alone. His commissions ranged from banks and churches to the remodelling of several country houses and castles (most notably Cawdor) but following the Scottish Education Act of 1872 he was involved in the wave of necessary school building.

In 1863 Matthews entered Aberdeen Town Council as a councillor, but stood down in 1871. In 1883 he was suddenly and unexpectedly called upon to take the role of Lord Provost, replacing Peter Esslemont. During his term of office he oversaw several city improvement schemes including the Mitchell Tower and new University Graduation Hall. In 1886 he was succeeded by Sir William Henderson. Matthews services to the city brought him an honorary doctorate (LLD) from the University of Aberdeen.[2]

In later life he purchased Springhill House on the edge of the city which he enlarged and altered to his own needs.

He died at his town house, 15 Albyn Terrace, on 28 June 1898, aged 78. He is buried with his family in St Nicholas' Churchyard in Aberdeen.

Family

He was married to Elizabeth Duncan, and their children included the zoologist James Duncan Matthews.

Principal works

He came to fame by winning the competition of the Free Church of Scotland Offices in Edinburgh but the scheme was ultimately built by William Henry Playfair. However he had many commissions thereafter including many churches.

Notes and References

  1. Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1824
  2. Web site: Dictionary of Scottish Architects - DSA Architect Biography Report (September 23, 2021, 1:31 pm). www.scottisharchitects.org.uk.
  3. Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1850
  4. Web site: Croy Church of Scotland Parish Manse . britishlistedbuildings.co.uk . 6 September 2017.

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