John Murray Robertson

Glenstal Castle

John Murray Robertson FRIBA (31 January 1844 – 31 January 1901) was a Scottish architect who did much to change Dundee.

Life

Giffen House
The Drummond Arms Hotel, St Fillans
Balmuir House
The grave of John Murray Robertson, Wellshill Cemetery, Perth

He was born on 31 January 1844 at Strathord in Perthshire the son of James Robertson and Catherine Smeaton, who were a strict Plymouth Brethren couple. Murray (as he was usually called) was articled to the architect Andrew Heiton in Perth in 1859. In 1865 Heiton opened a Dundee branch and Murray Robertson was asked to run it as senior draughtsman, primarily overseeing church projects. His offices were at Albert Square in Dundee.

One of his final projects was Glenstal Castle in Ireland.

Death

Robertson died at Crossmount, Bridgend, Perth, on 31 January 1901, his 57th birthday. He is buried in the city's Wellshill Cemetery. The grave lies on the wall on the south path leading to the Jeanfield section.

Personal life

Robertson was married to Rachel Mitchell Robertson (1858–1931). Their only son, Murray Mitchell Robertson, died in his youth.

Principal works

References

  1. ↑ "Dictionary of Scottish Architects - DSA Architect Biography Report".
  2. ↑ Dundee Post Office Directory 1890
  3. ↑ "ROBERTSON, JOHN MURRAY # - Dictionary of Irish Architects".
  4. ↑ Dundee Courier 1 February 1901
  5. ↑ Grave of J M Robertson, Wellshill Cemetery
  6. ↑ Leonard Street, Station Hotel, Including Gate Piers – Historic Environment Scotland