Architect. Born in Balfron (Stirling) in 1817, Alexander Thomson is regarded as the greatest architect of Victorian Glasgow and one of the greatest in Scottish architecture. He lost his father at the age of seven and, by 1830, his mother, eldest sister and three brothers had also died. Thomson was raised by an older brother and barely had the opportunity to attend school before having to work. He taught himself to draw. While working as a clerk in a lawyers' office in Glasgow c.1834 Thomson met the architect, Robert Foote (c. 1802-54), who was impressed by his drawings and employed as an apprentice draughtsman. Thomson believed that the architecture of the Ancient Greeks could be the inspiration for modern architecture, acquiring the nickname 'Greek' because of this and to distinguish him from the other Thomson architects in Glasgow. His work also drew influence from Italian, Romanesque, Scottish Baronial and Gothic styles. He never gained the great public commission that his work merited, although there are many examples throughout Glasgow. His buildings include Caledonia Road Church (1855), Holmwood House (1858), St. Vincent Street Free Church (1859), the Egyptian Halls (1872), together with fine ranges of private homes in Great Western Terrace, Moray Place (Strathbungo) and Walmer Crescent (Cessnock). He is also noted for his funerary monuments in several of Glasgow's cemeteries. Given his modest background he also promoted better quality homes for the poor, his designs incorporating safe covered play areas for children.
Thomson died at his home in Moray Place in Strathbungo, and lies buried in the Southern Necropolis. Following his death, a bust of his likeness in marble by John Mossman (1817-90) was presented to Glasgow Corporation, which is now displayed in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the Alexander Thomson Travelling Studentship established, now administered by the Glasgow Institute of Architects.
