James Paty the Elder facts for kids

James Paty the Elder (who sometimes spelled his name Patty) was an important English mason, builder, and architect. He lived in the 1700s and was the first of his family to become famous for building in the city of Bristol. Many people believe he designed the Old Library building on King Street in Bristol.

The Paty Family's Building Legacy

It's not completely clear how James Paty the Elder was related to other famous Paty family members like Thomas Paty and James Paty the Younger. He wasn't their father, but he might have been an uncle or another relative.

One clue connecting them is a special book of drawings, called a copybook. This book might have been passed down through the family. Drawings in it seem to have been made by all three men. However, each of them worked from different workshops. James the Elder's workshop was in an area of Bristol called Broadmead.

In 1721, James became a "burgess" of Bristol. This meant he was an official citizen with certain rights, which he gained by paying a fee. James had a wife named Rachel. After he died, Rachel continued to run his workshop. Their son, also named James (born in 1748), took over the workshop from his mother in 1768 when he also became a burgess.

Key Buildings and Carvings by James Paty

James Paty the Elder was skilled in working with wood and stone. He created the wooden "quarter jacks" for Christ Church in Bristol. These are figures that strike a bell on the clock. Later, when the church was rebuilt, these figures were moved to the new tower.

Christ Church's quarter jacks, carved by James Paty the Elder.

The Old Library in 1876, possibly designed by Paty.

James also worked as a stone carver on a building called The Exchange. He carved at least one of the "capitals," which are the decorated tops of columns. He is also known for carving about a dozen monuments.

Some other buildings are thought to have been built or designed by him, though we are not completely sure. These include houses on Unity Street and College Green, and the Old Library on King Street. For the Old Library, we know he was definitely the mason (a person who builds with stone) and stone carver. Many people believe he was also the architect who designed the whole building. Sadly, much of the beautiful decoration on the library has been lost over time due to repairs. This includes a fine Bristol coat of arms (a special symbol) and figures of "putti" (small, chubby child figures) shown reading books above the first-floor windows.

Known Works of James Paty the Elder

• Christ Church (1728) (he worked as a carver)
• 30 College Green (around 1730) (possibly designed by him)
• Old Library (1738–1740) (he was probably the architect)
• The Exchange (1741–1743) (he worked as a carver)
• 1 and 3–9 Unity Street (around 1742) (possibly designed by him)