Architect. Born in Glasgow, the son of a weaver, Salmon trained as an architect in the city and was able to setup his own practice c.1825. In 1843, he formed a partnership with Robert Black, who was architect to the Union Bank, but this only last until 1854. Salmon's buildings include the neo-perpendicular St Matthew's Church in Bath Street (1849), Glasgow Mechanics' Institute (1861), the Middle Free Church in Paisley (1863), Greenock Infirmary (1868, closed 1979 and subsequently demolished), Dennistoun Free Church (1875), the New Club in West George Street (1879) and Dennistoun School (1881).
He was a founder of the Glasgow Architectural Society in 1858, becoming its first Vice-President. Salmon served on Glasgow Town Council (1860-78) was appointed a Baillie in 1864. He died in Glasgow. His grandson was another James Salmon (1873 - 1924) who went on to design innovative buildings such as the Hatrack.
