John McLachan (architect)

Bread Street, Edinburgh by John McLachan
Building on the corner of Royal Mile and Cockburn Street by John McLachan
11 Tipperlinn Road by John McLachan
The grave of John McLachlan, Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh

John McLachan (6 June 1843 - 13 May 1893) was a Scottish architect, based in Edinburgh operating in the late 19th century. He was a brother-in-law to Robert Morham. He has been described as a "minor master".[1]

Life

He was born in Thornhill in Dumfries in 1843.

In 1857 he was articled to the Edinburgh architect David Cousin. In Cousin's office he worked with Robert Morham and through him met Margaret Ann Morham (1853-1906), Robert's sister, whom he married. In 1868 he started his own practice and by 1878 had prestiguous offices at York Buildings in the New Town.[2]

In 1884 he became architect to the National Bank of Scotland, and in 1892 succeeded Hippolyte Blanc as architect to the Scottish Co-operative Association.

In later life he formed a business association with Thomas P. Marwick and his architectural style changed from Victorian Baronial to Queen Anne Revival.[3] Marwick took over his offices at 29 York Place, following McLachan's death.

He died very young, aged only 49, at home at 33 Queens Crescent, and was buried in Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh. His wife, who also died relatively young, is buried with him. Thomas P. Marwick died many years later but is also buried close to him.

Works

All works are in Edinburgh unless otherwise stated:

Churches

McLachan also built several Free Churches (and was presumably a member of the Free Church of Scotland): Yester (1881); Linktown (1883); Sheuchan (Stranraer) (1883); Wardie UP Church (1892) (now called Wardie Parish Church).

References

  1. Buildings of Scotland: Edinburgh, by Gifford McWilliam and Walker
  2. Dictionary of Scottish Architects:McLachan
  3. Dictionary of Scottish Architects:McLachan