Papers relating to James Thomson, City Engineer, City Architect and Housing Director, Dundee

Archive Collection
XML
  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 254 MS 112
  • Dates of Creation
      1905-1960s
  • Name of Creator
  • Physical Description
      1 box (0.27 linear metres). The records are on paper and include photographs and artefacts.

Scope and Content

Printed reports, illustrations and other documents on improvements in Dundee, including those proposed by Thomson, and those actually accomplished 1905-1923; material collected and duplicated for exhibition on life and work of Thomson; material prepared and mounted for exhibition on life and work of Thomson; medal presented by the Institution of Municipal and County

Administrative / Biographical History

James Thomson (1852-1927) was a native of Edinburgh where he trained as a civil engineer and architect. After moving to Dundee he joined the Corporation and became heavily involved with the schemes implemented by the city's 1871 Improvement Act. These included the construction of the Perth Road and the first tramway lines as well as the building of cattle markets, slaughter houses, public baths and hospitals.

In 1906, Thomson was appointed city architect and engineer and was responsible for Dundee being the first city in Scotland to establish large-scale municipal housing schemes. In 1918, the development of city housing was reported as 'a striking example of his daring conceptions.' Gaining an international reputation for his involvement, Thomson was subsequently the first engineer of a Scottish municipality to be elected President of the Institution of Municipal and County Engineers.

In 1922, the offices of architect/engineer became separated and Thomson became Dundee's City Architect and Housing Director. Among his many projects as the City Architect, he designed the Caird Hall and the Square, St Roque's, Coldside and Blackness branch libraries and the Reading Rooms at Ward Road. Thomson retired from his posts in 1924 and moved into private practice with his son, Frank, although he continued to be a Consultant to the Corporation until his death.

Arrangement

Records are arranged within series.

Access Information

Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act and any other appropriate legislation.

Acquisition Information

Unknown

Other Finding Aids

Descriptive list. Subject source lists and databases are also available.

Alternative Form Available

No known copies.

Conditions Governing Use

Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements. Charges are made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply.

Custodial History

Unknown

Accruals

None expected.

Additional Information

The material is original.

Geographical Names

Dundee (Scotland)