Basic Biographical Details

Name: Thomas Graham Abercrombie
Designation:  
Born: 1862
Died: 16 February 1926
Bio Notes: Thomas Graham Abercrombie was born in Paisley, the son of a well-connected banker, William Abercrombie, who was of the family of Abercrombie of Tullibody, Clackmannan and his wife Robina Andrews Graham. He was articled to John Hutchison of Glasgow, an architect with Paisley connections, in 1876 and at the end of the apprenticeship he emigrated to the USA, location not known. By 19 May 1886 he had returned to Paisley and set up practice with £19 10s advanced by his father. The first year he is said to have had little or no work but in 1887 he took on an assistant, his brother-in-law Robert S Symington who became a partner in 1888. In that year the practice won a competition for Greenlaw Church, Paisley, but in July the following year Symington emigrated to the USA as manager of Clark's Thread Mills at Newark. The Greenlaw church design was modelled on Burnet's Barony Church and in or about 1890 Abercrombie took on as his chief assistant William Kerr (1866-1940) from the office of Burnet Son and Campbell, the work of the practice taking on a still more Burnetian character with the Clark Memorial Church, Largs (1892) which in several respects derives from Burnet's competition design for the Coats Memorial Church in Paisley.

Kerr was not invited to become a partner in the practice and in 1902 he left to become a partner in the practice of John Melvin and Son at Alloa. Thereafter Abercrombie continued with well-selected assistants until 1923 when he took into partnership James Steel Maitland (1887-1982), a pupil of Leiper who had worked for Brown and Vallance in Montreal. The partnership was brief as Abercrombie died suddenly at his home, Redholme, Castlehead, on 16 February 1926, Maitland continuing the practice alone thereafter under the existing name of Abercrombie & Maitland.

Abercrombie developed close links with the Coats, Clark and Stewart families and was an enthusiastic volunteer, first in the 2nd Renfrewshire Rifles and then in the Argyll and Southern Highlanders, reaching the rank of Captain.

Private and Business Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this :
 AddressTypeDate fromDate toNotes
Item 1 of 4Redholme, Castlehead, Paisley, Renfrewshire, ScotlandPrivate 1926 
Item 2 of 497, High Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, ScotlandBusiness18861893 
Item 3 of 413, Gilmour Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, ScotlandBusiness18931900 
Item 4 of 41, County Place, Paisley, Renfrewshire, ScotlandBusiness19001926 

Employment and Training

Employers

The following individuals or organisations employed or trained this (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate fromDate toPositionNotes
Item 1 of 3John Hutchison1876 Apprentice 
Item 2 of 3Abercrombie & Symington1888July 1889Partner 
Item 3 of 3Abercrombie & Maitland19231926Partner 

Employees or Pupils

The following individuals were employed or trained by this (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate fromDate toPositionNotes
Item 1 of 14Robert Stevenson Symington18871888Assistant 
Item 2 of 14John Galt Mitchell18891891Apprentice 
Item 3 of 14William Kerr1890c. 1902AssistantLater principal assistant
Item 4 of 14John Galt Mitchell18911892Assistant 
Item 5 of 14Andrew Hamilton18911916DraughtsmanLatterly Principal Assistant
Item 6 of 14Henry ('Harry') Cook1897Before 1904Apprentice 
Item 7 of 14James Craig Barrc. 18991904Apprentice 
Item 8 of 14Alfred George Lochhead19061910(?)Apprentice 
Item 9 of 14John (Ian) Shaw BoydMay 1906May 1911Apprentice 
Item 10 of 14John (Ian) Shaw BoydMay 1911September 1911Junior draughtsman 
Item 11 of 14Hugh Smith4 May 19201923Apprentice 
Item 12 of 14James Steel MaitlandEarly 19201923Principal Assistant 
Item 13 of 14James Christopher Rogerson1 February 19211923Assistant 
Item 14 of 14James MaitlandSeptember 19211923Apprentice 

Buildings and Designs

This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):
 Date startedBuilding nameTown, district or villageIslandCity or countyCountryNotes
Item 1 of 1791887Greenlaw Free ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandSuccessful competition design, modelled on Burnet's Barony Church - in collaboration with Robert S Symington prior to partnership
Item 2 of 179188825-26 Canal StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 3 of 179188967 CauseysidePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 4 of 1791889Cricket pavilion, MeikleriggsPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 5 of 1791889RedholmePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandOriginal building - listed as 'cottage, Castlehead' in Paisley Dean of Guild, but likely to be same building
Item 6 of 1791889Tenement, 10 BroomlandsPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 7 of 1791890Abbey PoorhousePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAddition of hospital block, and alterations
Item 8 of 1791890Burgh SawmillsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 9 of 1791890Cottage and byre, LyleslandPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 10 of 1791890House, MeikleriggsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions and alterations
Item 11 of 1791890Thornly Park HousePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 12 of 1791890UP ChurchLargs AyrshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 13 of 179189118 CauseysidePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 14 of 1791891Broadlie HouseDalry AyrshireScotland 
Item 15 of 1791891Conservatory, MeikleriggsPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 16 of 1791891House and outhouses, Hawkhead RoadPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 17 of 1791891House, MeikleriggsPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 18 of 1791891John Neilson Endowment School and entrance lodgePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandLavatories
Item 19 of 1791891Original Secession ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 20 of 1791891RoneilPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 21 of 1791891Tenements, Well StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 22 of 1791891VillaCastlehead RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 23 of 1791891Villa, Glasgow RoadPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 24 of 179After 1891Paisley County Buildings (Sheriff Court), Meeting Room and OfficesPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions (7 northern bays) in Love Street
Item 25 of 1791892102 George StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 26 of 1791892Abbey Hospital, mortuaryPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 27 of 1791892Beaconsfield Club, New StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 28 of 1791892CurlinghallLargs AyrshireScotlandMinor alterations
Item 29 of 1791892Lawn Street Mission HallPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions and alterations
Item 30 of 179c. 1892Public SchoolLargs AyrshireScotland 
Item 31 of 1791893Arthur Allison Memorial HallPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 32 of 1791893Bakery, High StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 33 of 1791893Byre, Canal StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 34 of 1791893WoodsideGiffnock RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions to stables
Item 35 of 1791893Works, 4 Bridge StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for alterations dated
Item 36 of 1791894Beaconsfield Club, New StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWall and railings
Item 37 of 1791894Premises in Gordon's LanePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 38 of 1791894Royal Alexandra InfirmaryPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 39 of 1791894Villa for John MarshallPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 40 of 1791895Additions to stablesPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for additions dated
Item 41 of 1791895Industrial SchoolPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for addition dated
Item 42 of 1791895Middle Church hallPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 43 of 1791895Paisley Grammar School and William Barbour AcademyPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 44 of 1791895Smithy, Moss StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 45 of 1791895Thorsley Park Farm Steading, shedPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 46 of 1791896CottagePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 47 of 1791896Drill HallPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith Kerr as assistant
Item 48 of 1791896DuntrunePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 49 of 1791896House for Alexander PatersonPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 50 of 1791896John Neilson Endowment School and entrance lodgePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 51 of 1791896NetherlynnDalry AyrshireScotland 
Item 52 of 1791896Paisley Technical SchoolPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWon competition and secured job. With William Kerr as assistant
Item 53 of 1791896Paisley TheatrePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 54 of 1791896Premises, Lady LanePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandBrick gable
Item 55 of 1791896RockfieldPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 56 of 1791896VillaPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 57 of 179189726 BroomlandsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations to chimney
Item 58 of 1791897House, Main RoadPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 59 of 1791897Peter Brough Nursing HomePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 60 of 1791897WhiteleighPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 61 of 1791898BelmontPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandExtension. With William Kerr as assistant
Item 62 of 1791898Burgh SawmillsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 63 of 1791898Gleniffer Laundry and Bath HousePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant- addition of Bath House
Item 64 of 1791898RedholmePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for alteration and additions dated
Item 65 of 1791898Tenement, Hawkhead RoadPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 66 of 1791898Welfare Offices, Back Sneddon StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 67 of 1791899BelmontPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for outhouse dated
Item 68 of 1791899Coats Girls ClubPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 69 of 1791899Mrs Archibald Coats Memorial HomePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 70 of 1791899Offices, Maxwellton Road and FergusliePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 71 of 1791899RoneilPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for additions dated
Item 72 of 1791899Shop, New Street / High StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for alterations dated
Item 73 of 1791899Stanely Dyeworks, officesPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 74 of 1791899Thornly ParkPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 75 of 1791899Warehouse, SmithhillsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for addition dated
Item 76 of 1791900Double Villa, Corsebar RoadPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 77 of 1791900Ferguslie ParkPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 78 of 1791900George HotelPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 79 of 1791900Industrial SchoolPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlteration to wall
Item 80 of 1791900Premises of the Scotch Girls' Friendly Society, off New StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 81 of 1791900Stables and coachhouse, CauseysidePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 82 of 1791900Tenement, 18 WilliamsburghPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 83 of 179c. 1900Baptist ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 84 of 179c. 1900InverkarPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 85 of 1791901CrosbiePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 86 of 1791901EU Congregational ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations and restoration
Item 87 of 1791901New Street Congregational ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandRestoration
Item 88 of 1791901Royal Starch WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 89 of 1791902HolmhurstThornly Park, Paisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 90 of 1791902House, BlackhallPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 91 of 1791902House, Braids RoadPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 92 of 1791902House, MeikleriggsPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 93 of 1791902House, Riccartsbar AvenuePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 94 of 1791902Houses on Riccartsbar AvenuePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 95 of 1791902Huntershill HousePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWith William Kerr as assistant
Item 96 of 1791902RedholmePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandObservatory
Item 97 of 1791902Royal Alexandra InfirmaryPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWall
Item 98 of 1791902Tenement, Well StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 99 of 1791902Tenements, Orchard Street and Stevenson StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 100 of 1791902Woodside House and LodgePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations on engine house
Item 101 of 1791903Burgh SawmillsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 102 of 1791903House, BlackhallPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for addition dated
Item 103 of 1791903Paisley TheatrePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 104 of 1791903RoneilPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations on wall and gateway
Item 105 of 1791903Tenement, 43 Causeyside Street and 1 Johnston StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 106 of 1791903Tenement, Causeyside Street and Johnston StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 107 of 1791903Union BankPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 108 of 17919044 West Buchanan StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for alterations dated
Item 109 of 1791904Greenhill WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 110 of 1791904House, Riccartsbar AvenuePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 111 of 1791904Incurables HomePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for verandah dated
Item 112 of 1791904Martyrs ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans for alterations and additions dated
Item 113 of 1791904Paisley AbbeyPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPulpit
Item 114 of 1791904Paisley Grammar School and William Barbour AcademyPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandGymnasium
Item 115 of 1791904Paisley Technological School, William Barbour Technological WingPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 116 of 1791904Tenements, Causeyside / Canal StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 117 of 1791904Union BankKilmarnock AyrshireScotlandAlterations
Item 118 of 1791904Victoria SchoolPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandGymnasium
Item 119 of 1791904William Barbour Infant SchoolPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 120 of 1791904Works, Christie LanePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandPlans dated
Item 121 of 1791904Young Men's Christian AssociationPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWon competition
Item 122 of 1791905Greenlaw Free ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 123 of 1791905House, SunnysidePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 124 of 1791905Houses on Riccartsbar AvenuePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 125 of 1791905North Brediland FarmPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 126 of 1791905St Barnabas Episcopal Church HallPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 127 of 1791905Tenement, Causeyside / Stevenson StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 128 of 1791905Tenements, Causeyside Street / Orchard StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 129 of 1791905Wellmeadow Bowling Club pavilionPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 130 of 179c. 1905The Gables, Thornly ParkPaisley RenfrewshireScotland'Possibly' (HS)
Item 131 of 1791906Greenhill WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 132 of 1791906Premises, William StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 133 of 1791906RoneilPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions and alterations
Item 134 of 1791906Shops, Moss Street and Dyers WyndPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 135 of 1791906Tenement and joiner's shopPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 136 of 1791906Tenements, George StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 137 of 1791906Tenements, George StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 138 of 1791907Episcopal ChapelPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 139 of 1791908The MoundPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAddition to motor house
Item 140 of 1791909Burgh SawmillsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandSheds
Item 141 of 1791909Cartvale Chemical Company, New Sneddon StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 142 of 1791909Coats Memorial HallPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 143 of 1791909Renfrew District Lunatic AsylumPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandMain building(s)
Item 144 of 1791909RoneilPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAddition to forcing house
Item 145 of 1791909(?)St Columba's ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandRebuilding
Item 146 of 1791910RozellePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 147 of 1791910The Bird in the HandQuarrelton, Johnstone RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 148 of 1791910Union BankRenfrew RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 149 of 1791910 or 1911Nethercommon Carpet WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions, cost £2,500
Item 150 of 1791911Cottages for workmen at the Brown & Polson FactoryPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 151 of 1791911HighfieldThornly Park, Paisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 152 of 1791912High Church hallsPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 153 of 1791912Offices, ScotscraigPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 154 of 1791912Riccartsbar AsylumPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 155 of 1791912Seedhill TanneryPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAddition
Item 156 of 1791912Stables, Gordon's LanePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAddition to stables
Item 157 of 1791913Art GalleryPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 158 of 1791913Burgh SawmillsPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandOffices
Item 159 of 1791913Paisley Library and MuseumPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 160 of 1791913Royal Starch WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandInstitute
Item 161 of 1791913Wallneuk ChurchPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 162 of 1791914John Neilson Endowment School and entrance lodgePaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 163 of 1791914Orange Lodge Hall, Castle StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 164 of 1791914Priory ParkPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions and alterations
Item 165 of 1791914Renfrew District Lunatic AsylumPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAddition of two further villas and nurses' home
Item 166 of 1791914Union BankPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 167 of 1791915Greenhill WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 168 of 1791915Nodesdale HouseLargs (near) AyrshireScotlandSmoking room
Item 169 of 1791917Corsehill, Sunnyside, garagePaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 170 of 179191812 High StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAlterations
Item 171 of 1791918Golden Shred WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandLavatories
Item 172 of 1791918North Brediland FarmPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions
Item 173 of 1791918Saucel Iron WorksPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandWCs
Item 174 of 1791921Shop premisesPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 175 of 1791921Victory BathsRenfrew RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 176 of 179c. 1922Royal Alexandra InfirmaryPaisley RenfrewshireScotlandAdditions and nurses home
Item 177 of 1791924House at PotterhillPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 178 of 1791924Offices, St James StreetPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 179 of 1791924Shops and warehouse for ArnottsPaisley RenfrewshireScotland 

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 5Davis, Michael C1991The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire Ardrishaig, Argyll: privately publishedBroadlie House, Curlinghall, Noddsdale
Item 2 of 5Johnston, W T2003Artists of Scotland Officina Publications CDROM 
Item 3 of 5MacLean, Allan1986Abercrombie and Maitland Architects 1886-1963 B. Arch University of StrathclydeDissertation
Item 4 of 5MacLean, Allan1986Thomas Graham Abercrombie: eclectic patterns in Paisley43, SummerCharles Rennie Mackintosh Newsletterp5-7
Item 5 of 5Walker, Frank Arneil1986South Clyde Estuary: An Illustrated Architectural Guide to Inverclyde and Renfrew  p14, p15, p17, p21, p22, p23, p24, p29, p30, p32, p33, p34, p35, p58, p98, p99

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 3Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette4 December 1897  Obituary of J D Symington
Item 2 of 3Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette20 February 1926   
Item 3 of 3Paisley Daily Express17 February 1926  Obituary