James McKissack explained

James McKissack (1875–1940)^[1] was a prominent Scottish architect known for his innovative designs, particularly in cinema architecture during the early 20th century.

Career

James McKissack initially worked with his father, John McKissack, in the family firm McKissack & Rowan. After the firm dissolved in 1890, James completed his apprenticeship under his father. He also studied at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) from 1890 to 1894,^[2] where he refined his skills. His education and early work with his father set the foundation for his later successes as an architect, particularly in cinema design, continuing his father's practice after his death in 1915.

Notable Cinemas designed by McKissack

1910s

• Eglinton Electreum: Opened December 1911 (DEMOLISHED)
• The La Scala: Opened October 1912
• The Picture House, Cowdenbeath: Completed in 1919

1920s

• The La Scala Cinema, Keith Street, Hamilton: Opened in 1921 (DEMOLISHED)
• The Kingsway: Opened May 1929 (DEMOLISHED)

1930s

• Broadway / Odeon, 19 Amulree Street: Opened 25 June 1930 (DEMOLISHED)
• Commodore / Odeon, 1297 Dumbarton Road: Opened January 1933 (DEMOLISHED)
• Mecca (later Vogue Cinema Possilpark):^[3] Opened August 1933
• The New Tivoli: Opened January 1934
• Vogue / Odeon, 60 Main Street, Rutherglen: Opened January 1936
• Vogue / Odeon, 146 Strathmartine Road: Opened August 1936 (DEMOLISHED)
• Embassy: Built in 1937 (DEMOLISHED)
• Vogue, 251 Langlands Road / Crossloan Road: Opened 4 July 1938 (DEMOLISHED)
• Riddrie / Vogue, 726 Cumbernauld Road, Riddrie: Opened March 1938
• Glasgow Film Theatre / Cosmo, 12 Rose Street, City Centre: Opened May 1939^[4]

See also

• James Welsh (Paisley MP)
• Glasgow School of Art

Notes and References

1. Web site: Widdows . Tom . Surviving Cinemas - James McKissack . www.scottishcinemas.org.uk.
2. Web site: McKissack, James 1875 - 1940 AHRnet . architecture.arthistoryresearch.net.
3. Web site: Historic Glasgow cinema temporarily saved from demolition . BBC News . 17 January 2024.
4. Web site: Coe . Oliver . Glasgow Film Festival to celebrate 20th birthday . BBC News . 7 December 2023.