Basic Biographical Details | Name: | Watt & Davidson | | Designation: | | | Born: | 1905 | | Died: | 1910 | | Bio Notes: | Nothing is known of James Watt's background as he does not appear in the British Architectural Library/RIBA 'Directory of British Architects 1834-1914' or 'Who's Who in Architecture', but he practised in Aberdeen from 1895 and was associated with William Campbell Davidson in 1897 and again 1905-10. Davidson was born on 29 June 1873 and educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and between 1883 and 1889 at Robert Gordon's Technical College, followed by one year at the Durham College of Science, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1889-90. He was articled to the Great North of Scotland Railway Engineers Department 1890-1895 and remained as assistant until 1897 when he formed his first short-lived partnership with Watt as Davidson & Watt before accepting a similar appointment in the Great Western Railway's Engineer's Department. He remained there until 1903, when owing to ill health he he was compelled to resign. His health did not recover until 1905 when he formed his second partnership with Watt in Aberdeen as Watt & Davidson, carrying on their business as architects and civil engineers at 216 Union Street.
The business did not prosper in the difficult conditions after 1906, a fact indicated by the paucity of applications to the Plans Committee and the houses built on spec. or for relatives; it lasted until 1910 when Davidson secured a post in Aberdeen Harbour Commissioners' Engineers Department. | Private and Business Addresses| The following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes |  | 216, Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland | Business | 1905 | 1910 | |
Employment and TrainingEmployees or Pupils| The following individuals were employed or trained by this (click on an item to view details): | | | Name | Date from | Date to | Position | Notes | | James Watt | 1905 | 1910 | Partner | | | William Campbell Davidson | 1905 | 1910 | Partner | |
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 | | 1906 | Two houses, Forest Avenue | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | | 1909 | Terraced house and shop, Carmelite Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Shop front added at 10a |
ReferencesArchive References| The following archives hold material relating to this : | | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | L v3 no191 (microfilm reel 30) (Davidson) |
|