Thomas Hamilton RSA 1784 -1858

Another vacancy on the list of the Academicians occurred by the death, on the 24th day of February last, of Mr. Thomas Hamilton, the well-known eminent architect of Edinburgh. This distinguished artist was one of the original founders of the Academy, and from the period of its institution held a prominent position as an active and zealous member of the Body, continuing, until within a few days of his decease, energetically to discharge the duties of his office as a member of Council.

The professional talents of Mr. Hamilton are widely and highly appreciated;  and many important edifices of this city are monuments of his genius and talent—the classic structure, the High School, is justly considered one of the chief ornaments of Edinburgh, his native city ; while at the Exposition of the Works of the Artists of all Nations, held at Paris in 1855, the award by the jurors, of the gold medal of the Second class, was an attestation of the correctness of the high estimation in which his professional ability was held by his countrymen.

Amongst the various official acts of the Academy, in which he took a prominent part, may be mentioned  the acquisition of the five great works of the late William Etty, R.A. which are now everywhere justly referred to as one of the most interesting and important features of the National Gallery of Scotland.

RSA Obitary, transcribed from 1858 RSA Annual Report