David Rhind

This article is about the architect. For the geographer, see David William Rhind.
The former Commercial Bank of Scotland, George Street, Edinburgh, 1847
Daniel Stewart's Hospital, opened in 1855
Grave of David Rhind (centre), St Cuthberts, Edinburgh

David Rhind (1808 – 26 April 1883) was a prominent Scottish architect, mainly remembered for his public buildings, banks, churches and schools, most of which are now listed buildings.

Life

Rhind was born in Edinburgh in 1808, the son of John Rhind (a cashier to the Edinburgh Friendly Insurance Company) and his wife Marion Anderson. David Rhind was married twice: firstly to Emily Shoubridge in 1840; then to Mary Jane Sackville-Pearson in 1845. He lived until 1883 and was survived by eight of his children.

He is believed to have trained in the London drawing office of Augustus Charles Pugin and was a friend of Charles Barry.[1] His practice began in Edinburgh, but examples of his work were constructed all over Scotland.

David worked in conjunction with Alexander Handyside Ritchie who executed much of the sculptural work on his buildings.

David Rhind's work included many branches of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, including their headquarters on George Street, Edinburgh, which is now The Dome bar and restaurant.[2] Other buildings for the Commercial Bank, now part of the Royal Bank of Scotland, were constructed as far apart as Thurso and Jedburgh. He also designed a number of churches, local government buildings, schools, offices and private residences such as Carlowrie Castle. One of his grandest schemes was Daniel Stewart's Hospital, now Stewart's Melville College, Edinburgh. He employed Neo-Classical and Baronial styles (amongst others) during his work.

In 1849, Rhind was commissioned by Sir John Maxwell, 8th Baronet, to design the lay-out of the Pollokshields area of Glasgow, in what until then had been farmland 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the city centre.

He spent most of his working life (plus living with his family until retiral in 1877) at 54 Great King Street in the Second New Town of Edinburgh.[3]

He was responsible for training John Dick Peddie, Robert Morham, James W Smith, Hippolyte Blanc, John Russell Walker and James McGlashen Ross.

He is buried with his family, including his wife Mary Jane Sackville Pearson (1825-1892) in St Cuthberts Churchyard in Edinburgh under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The grave lies on the south wall of the first south section, south of the church, backing onto the railway line. The monument is one of the most modest in its row. David's name is listed low on the stone, and easily missed.

Principal Works

Final resting place of William Henry Miller, designed by David Rhind, with bas relief sculptures by Alfred Gatley, this on the south side depicting "The Song of Moses and Miriam"

*Numerous banks for the Commercial Bank of Scotland

References

  1. ↑ Dictionary of Scottish Architects entry on David Rhind
  2. ↑ "14 George Street, Former Commercial Bank, Listed Building Report". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
  3. ↑ Edinburgh and Leith Post Office Directories 1849 to 1877

External links

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