John Baxter (architect) facts for kids
John Baxter (born around 1737, died July 14, 1798) was a talented Scottish architect. He was very active in the late 1700s, designing many important buildings.
Early Life and Learning
John Baxter's father, also named John Baxter, was a skilled builder (a "master mason") from Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1761, John Baxter and his brother Alexander traveled all the way to Italy. They went there to study architecture, which is the art and science of designing buildings.
While in Rome, John Baxter became well-known among other artists who were also living there from different countries. He entered several architecture competitions. In March 1766, he was even made an honorary member of the Academy of St Luke, a famous art academy.
Both John Baxter and his father were supported by a kind patron, Sir John Clerk. While in Rome, John Baxter also met Alexander Runciman, another artist who was friends with Sir John Clerk. There's even a painting from 1767, now in the Vatican, that shows the two Baxter brothers with Runciman and another artist.
Building a Career in Scotland
After his studies in Italy, John Baxter returned to Scotland. He took over his father's building business. This meant he worked as both an architect, designing buildings, and a building contractor, overseeing their construction.
He worked for important people like the Duke of Gordon. For the Duke, Baxter helped create the planned town of Fochabers. He also designed the beautiful Bellie Kirk church in Fochabers.
Baxter also made improvements to Cullen House for the Earl of Findlater. Besides his design work, he also invested in building houses in Edinburgh. He passed away in Edinburgh in 1798.
