William Kelly ARSA 1861-1944

William Kelly died at his home in Aberdeen on the 10th Marchat the age of 83, having been born in 1861. 

After his architectural training with the late Mr. William Smith the designer of Balmoral Castle—Mr. Kelly went to London for: number of years. He returned to Aberdeen as a partner with his former employer in a practice with which he was actively associate for over forty years. Latterly the firm was known as Messrs. Kelly and Nicol.

Among other important commissions Mr. Kelly was responsible for the design of: —Aberdeen Savings Bank; St. Ninian’s, Aberdeen: New Wings at Montrose Mental Hospital, and reconstruction of the Old Infirmary, Aberdeen, besides numerous private houses. Especially interested in Church architecture he was a founder member of the Aberdeen Ecclesiological Society and afterwards President. Associated with the Senatus he restored King’s College Chapel and designed the War Memorial. His various writings were devoted to the churches and history of Aberdeen and its neighbourhood.

William Kelly was elected an Associate in 1911, and became an Honorary Retired Associate in 1933. Aberdeen University conferred the degree of LL.D. in 1919. He was for some time lecturer on Architecture in the University. Dr. Kelly is survived by his widow, three sons and a daughter.

RSA Obituary transcribed from the 1944 RSA Annual Report