Basic Biographical Details | Name: | Archibald Downie | | Designation: | | | Born: | 1853 or 1854 | | Died: | 12 May 1939 | | Bio Notes: | Archibald Downie was born in St Andrews in 1853 or 1854. He practised as an architect/builder in St Andrews in the 1880s and 1890s. He is described as 'a rising young townsman' in the 'St Andrews Citizen' in 1882; this reference also makes it clear that he was an architect/builder, though this is not explicitly stated.
He was probably related to James Downie, the builder who erected Kennoway House to Robert Hutchison's design in 1833, and may also have been related to the unidentified Downie of Kirkcaldy who designed Lochgelly Free Church in the late 1840s or 1850s (see separate entry).
Downie later abandoned his profession to be a photographer. He had a studio in St Andrews and made a special study of golf, becoming a pioneer in sports photography for newspapers. He covered not only the championships in St Andrews but travelled further afield to courses around Scotland including those at Troon, Prestwick and Muirfield. He travelled to these venues by train carrying large amounts of heavy equipment.
Besides his work as a photographer Downie rose to fame because he was an excellent marksman. He was a member of the St Andrews Battalion of the Volunterr Rifles and a veteran of the 'Wet Review'. He was runner-up for the Queen's Prize at Wimbledon and holder of the Caledonian Shield. He was one of the original members of the St Andrews New Golf Club.
Downie died on 12 May 1939, survived by his two sons and four daughters. | Private and Business Addresses| The following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes |  | St Andrews, Fife, Scotland | Business | | | |
Buildings and Designs| This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details): | | | Date started | Building name | Town, district or village | Island | City or county | Country | Notes | | 1882 | Tom Morris House | St Andrews | | Fife | Scotland | |
ReferencesPeriodical References| The following periodicals contain references to this : | | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | | Scotsman | 13 May 1939 | | | p23 Obituary | | St Andrews Citizen | 29 April 1882 | | | |
Archive References| The following archives hold material relating to this : | | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | Courtesy of Morag Cross | Information sent to DSA | | Sent October 2010 |
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