John Douglas (Scottish architect) facts for kids
John Douglas (around 1709 – 20 June 1778) was a talented Scottish architect. He was famous for designing and improving many large country houses in the Scottish Lowlands. He was known for making big changes to old buildings, sometimes even hiding parts of them.
Some of his most important projects include the churches at Killin and Ardeonaig (1744), Archerfield House (1745), and Finlaystone House (1746–47). He also worked on Wardhouse (1757) and Campbeltown Town Hall (1758–60). Many of these buildings are now protected as listed buildings because of their historical importance.
About John Douglas
We don't know exactly when or where John Douglas was born. We do know from his will that he was known as John Douglas of Pinkerton. He was an architect who lived in Leith, a port area near Edinburgh. He passed away on 20 June 1778. Records from Edinburgh show that he owned properties in the city, like on High Street North.
How John Douglas Designed Buildings
John Douglas designed and updated many country houses in the mid-1700s. People thought he was a very good designer. Many of his buildings have a special look, with a central part that sticks out. You can see this style in places like Archerfield House and Campbeltown Town House.
In 1989, a collection of his drawings was found and shown to the public. This helped experts learn more about his unique style. His designs often explored how buildings looked and felt, using different materials and shapes. He was an interesting architect from a time when architects in Scotland were starting to develop their own personal styles.
Experts have studied his main buildings, such as Archerfield (1745-49) and Finlaystone House (1746-47). They found that he used materials in a special way. His style was influenced by earlier architects like Inigo Jones. We can also learn about his work from building contracts for places like Archerfield.
Buildings John Douglas Worked On
A book by Howard Colvin lists many of John Douglas's projects. However, some of the information in the book is not quite right. For example, Douglas was indeed responsible for the repair of the Holyrood Abbey church in 1760. There was a disagreement about him not being paid for this work, which was only settled after he died.
Here are some of the buildings John Douglas worked on:
- Freeland House, Perth and Kinross (1733)
- Traquair House (1733–38)
- Quarrell House, Stirlingshire (1735–36) – He worked with James Gibbs on this house.
- Murthly Castle (1735) – He designed the entrance.
- Ardmaddy Castle (1737) – This work is thought to be his.
- Lochnell House (1737–39)
- Abercairny House, Perth and Kinross (1737–38) – He designed improvements.
- Galloway House, Dumfries and Galloway (1740) – This design was not built.
- Glasserton House, Dumfries and Galloway (1740–41) – This design was not built.
- Arbroath Harbour (1741) – He gave advice on how to stop it from silting up.
- Lochmaben Town Hall, Dumfries and Galloway (1743) – He designed a tall steeple.
- Taymouth Castle, Perth and Kinross (1743–50) – He worked on windows, the dining room, and a new entrance.
- Amulree and Strathbraan Parish Church, Perth and Kinross (1743–52)
- Killin and Ardeonaig Parish Church (1744)
- Kilmahew Castle (1744) – This work is thought to be his. It is now a ruin.
- Archerfield House (1745)
- Fullarton House, South Ayrshire (1745) – This work is thought to be his.
- Finlaystone House, Renfrewshire (1746–47)
- Blair Castle (1748–56) – He designed a plan to change the castle in the Palladian style, but it was not built.
- Edmonstone House (1744–49)
- Dysart, Hot Pot Wynd, Carmelite Monastery (1748) – This design was not built.
- St Salvator’s College (1754–58) – He worked on university halls of residence, which have since been taken down.
- Wardhouse (Gordonhall), Aberdeenshire (1757)
- Holyrood Abbey church, Edinburgh (1758–60) – He replaced the roof, but it collapsed on 2 December 1768.
- Campbeltown Town Hall (1758–60)
- Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian (1770s)
- Largo House – This work is thought to be his.
