John Watson ARSA 1873-24/08/1936

A native of Glasgow, born 1873, John Watson also died there on 24th August 1936. On the completion of his school education he entered an Architect's office in the city, and during his five years' apprenticeship attended the evening classes available at the School of Art, and the Royal Technical College.

At the age of 21 he proceeded to London, where he entered what was practically a second term of Articles with a London firm. He accompanied this by attendance at the Royal Academy Schools. This was followed by a tour of four or five months' study in Italy. 

In 1900 Mr. Watson returned to Glasgow and commenced practice, and shortly afterwards was joined in partnership by two friends, forming the firm of Watson, Salmond, and Gray. 

From its inception the firm was successful in numerous competitions for public buildings: among the more notable being the Wesleyan Methodist Central Halls, Paisley, and the extension of the Glasgow City Chambers- for this in 1927 the firm was awarded the first R.I.B.A. Scottish Architectural Medal for the best city building completed within the preceding five years. Along with the late Mr. H. E. Clifford, Mr. Watson was placed first in the competition for the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Outstanding among the firm's later works are the private wing and Nurses' Home extensions at the Victoria Infirmary, and the new Science block and other works at the High School of Glasgow.

Mr. Watson was elected an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1929. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects by examination, 1912.

He was President at various times of the Glasgow Institute of Architects, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, and the Glasgow Art Club. He was a Governor of the Glasgow School of Art, a Deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights, and an external examiner of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

RSA Obituary by George Pirie RSA and David Foggie RSA. Transcribed from the 1936 RSA Annual Report