Alexander 'Greek’ Thomson was a leading 19th century architect who practised exclusively in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Nicknamed ‘Greek’ owing to his drawing from Greek models of architecture, adapted to contemporary use as churches, warehouses, villas, terraces and tenements, he also drew inspiration from Egyptian, Assyrian, Roman and even Hindu models, despite never leaving the United Kingdom.
Thomson was born on 9 April 1817, in Balfron, Stirlingshire. Before moving to Glasgow at a young age. His talent for drawing was noted while he worked in a lawyers office and after an apprenticeship with architect John Baird , he started his architectural career. Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson is responsible for buildings including Holmwood House, St Vincent Church and Great Western Terrace, among many others. Thomson died in Glasgow on 22 March 1875 at his home at 1 Moray Place in the terrace he had himself designed. He was 57 years old.
This exhibition, commemorating the 150th anniversary of his death, is organised by The Alexander Thomson Society in conjunction with Glasgow Libraries and the staff of the Mitchell Library who are also celebrating Glasgow 850 .
Alongside the exhibition, which will run from mid-March to mid-May, the Society is organising a program of events about Thomson and his works, taking place in the Mitchell Library’s Moir-Dyer Room at 1.00pm on successive Saturdays. See "related events" below.