St. Vincent Street Church, GlasgowCraigiebuckler Church, AberdeenSt Mary RC Cathedral Spire, AberdeenThe tower on St. Magnus Episcopal Church, LerwickBon Accord Free Church in AberdeenBlairs College
Robert Gordon Wilson (1844–1931) was a 19th/20th century Scottish architect based in Aberdeen. He was from a strong United Presbyterian background and specialised in churches for the United Presbyterian Church and Free Church of Scotland.
He was born in New Pitsligo in 1844 the son of John Wilson, a master builder, and his wife, Eliza Gordon. He was articled (apprenticed) to Alexander Ellis (1830-1917), an architect-builder, in Aberdeen in 1859. Around 1866 he was placed in the office of Alexander Thomson (1817-1875), a well-known architect, later nicknamed "Greek Thomson". Thomson's style is evidenced in Wilson's work. In 1869 he returned to Ellis as a junior partner, with offices at 13 Belmont Street in Aberdeen.[2]
Ellis retired in 1896 leaving Wilson as sole partner until 1906 when he was joined by his namesake son (1877-1939). He retired in 1915 leaving his son in charge.
Wilson served on Aberdeen Town Council 1914 to 1924. He was Chairman of the Plans Committee (overseeing Planning and Building Control matters). He was Chairman of the Rubislaw Granite Company, Chairman of Kilgour and Walker, and Director of Richards. His unpaid roles included Chairman of the Aberdeen Royal Asylum and the Aberdeen University Press. He was a Trustee of the Aberdeen Savings Bank.[3]
He married in December 1875. The following year both the partners and the joint families built a small terrace at Springbank Terrace in Aberdeen: the Wilson's lived at no 60.
Works
His entire career focused upon churches. Even during his time with Alexander Thomson his had can be seen in several works, and his church connection seems to have led to him getting to work on the UP Church schemes.
