Basic Biographical Details

Name: George Angus Mitchell
Designation:  
Born: 27 November 1896
Died: 8 December 1964
Bio Notes: George Angus Mitchell was born on 27 November 1896, the son of George Bennett Mitchell, architect in Aberdeen, and educated at Aberdeen Grammar School. He entered his father's practice as an apprentice, and was one of the first two students to enrol at Aberdeen School of Architecture when it opened in 1913. His training was interrupted in December 1915 when he commenced war service as a subaltern in the Highland Divisional Engineers; he served in Palestine and France with the 52nd Lowland Divisional Engineers, reaching the rank of Honorary Colonel, and returned to his father's office on his demobilisation in 1919, completing his diploma course the following year. He gained his diploma in June 1920 and assisted in his father's office from that month. He received an endorsement of his diploma in July 1921 and was admitted ARIBA late the same year, his proposers being John Alexander Ogg Allan, George Watt and William Edgar Gauld; the latter's signature is scored out on his nomination paper, presumably due to his temporary lapse in membership of the RIBA at that time.

The practice moved from 148 Union Street to 1 West Craibstone Street in 1922 and George Angus became a partner in 1929, the firm name becoming George Bennett Mitchell & Son.

George Angus Mitchell was elected FRIBA in late 1930, his proposers being Clement George, James Brown Nicol and George Watt. This may have prompted his father to seek RIBA membership, as he applied for Licentiateship immediately and was admitted at the beginning of 1931, his proposers being George, Nicol and William Liddle Duncan; and in May of the same year he too was elected a Fellow. By this time George Bennett had been awarded an MBE; he was also a Justice of the Peace.

George Angus Mitchell continued to be active in military circles after the First World War, taking command of the 139th Field Park Company (TA) with the rank of Captain in 1924 and taking over 236 Field Company as a Major in 1928. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel on the outbreak of the Second World War and became CRE 9th Divisional Engineers, CRE North Highland Area and CRE Lothian and Border Area. He was released from service in June 1945, and continued his father's practice thereafter under the existing name of George Bennett Mitchell & Son, his father having died on 22 March 1941.

He was President of the Aberdeen branch of the RE Old Comrades Association for some years before 1958; President of the Aberdeen Rotary Club from 1947 to 1948; and President of the Aberdeen Chapter of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland in 1939, 1947 and 1949. Like his father, he was a lifelong member of the West Church of St Andrew, becoming a deacon in 1921 and an elder in 1939.

George Angus Mitchell retired to Newburgh in 1962 and died there at his home, Thornhill, on 6 December 1964. He was survived by his wife Alice Jones and two married daughters.

Private and Business Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this :
 AddressTypeDate fromDate toNotes
Item 1 of 54, Deemount Terrace, Aberdeen, ScotlandPrivate1921 *  
Item 2 of 5148, Union Street, Aberdeen, ScotlandBusinessBefore 19211922 
Item 3 of 51, West Craibstone Street, Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen, ScotlandBusiness1922After 1951 
Item 4 of 531, Albert Terrace, Aberdeen, ScotlandPrivate1930 *  
Item 5 of 5Thornhill, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, ScotlandPrivate19628 December 1964 

* earliest date known from documented sources.


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 3George Bennett Mitchell1913June 1920ApprenticeWith the exception of war service, December 1915 to February 1919
Item 2 of 3George Bennett MitchellJune 19201929Assistant(?)Associated in practice
Item 3 of 3George Bennett Mitchell & Son1929Before 1964Partner 

RIBA

RIBA Proposers

The following individuals proposed this for RIBA membership (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate proposedNotes
Item 1 of 6John Alexander Ogg AllanLate 1921for Associateship
Item 2 of 6William Edgar GauldLate 1921for Associateship
Item 3 of 6Clement GeorgeLate 1930for Fellowship
Item 4 of 6James Brown NicolLate 1930for Fellowship
Item 5 of 6George WattLate 1921for Associateship
Item 6 of 6George WattLate 1930for Fellowship

RIBA Proposals

This proposed the following individuals for RIBA membership (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate proposedNotes
Item 1 of 11Archibald Ernest Bennett5 December 1938for Associateship
Item 2 of 11Ronald Davidson Cruickshank14 November 1944for Licentiateship
Item 3 of 11Gordon Stansfield Esslemont12 December 1944For Associateship
Item 4 of 11Willie James Fenton10 February 1948For Licentiateship
Item 5 of 11Robert Archibald Hendry11 February 1947For Licentiateship
Item 6 of 11James Hunter16 February 1943for Licentiateship
Item 7 of 11John Maclennan10 April 1956For Fellowship
Item 8 of 11Edward Mackie McIntyre1 May 1940For Associateship
Item 9 of 11William Peter (junior)Mid 1933for Licentiateship
Item 10 of 11Herbert Henry Reid6 April 1948for Fellowship
Item 11 of 11David John Alexander Ross1 April 1952for Fellowship

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 1241919Royal HotelInverness Inverness-shireScotlandAlterations - as apprentice/assistant to his father, George Bennett Mitchell
Item 2 of 1241920Littlewood ParkAlford AberdeenshireScotlandReconstruction
Item 3 of 1241920Queen's HotelBridge of Allan StirlingshireScotlandAlterations and repairs - as assistant to his father, George Bennett Mitchell
Item 4 of 124c. 1920Candacraig HouseStrathdon AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations to house
Item 5 of 124c. 1920Dinnet House  AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations to house
Item 6 of 124c. 1920Duff House  BanffshireScotlandMinor interior alterations and nurses' home; scullery and gate lodge; engine house; laundry; alterations to pavilion
Item 7 of 1241922Allen & Hanbury Cod Liver Oil FactoryAberdeen Harbour AberdeenScotlandOriginal factory, extension, and additional storage
Item 8 of 1241922Ruthin Castle  ClwydWalesAlterations for sanatorium
Item 9 of 1241922 or 1924Shop for Reid & Pearson, St Nicholas Street and Schoolhill  AberdeenScotland 
Item 10 of 1241923Park HouseDrumoak AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 11 of 1241925Margarine Factory  AberdeenScotlandAlterations
Item 12 of 124c. 1925Institute for Royal National Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen  AberdeenScotland 
Item 13 of 1241926Cluny CastleCluny AberdeenshireScotlandRestoration of castle and chapel after fire
Item 14 of 1241927Parish ChurchKirkton of Slains AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and church re-orientated
Item 15 of 1241928Banchory Ternan ChurchBanchory Ternan KincardineshireScotlandReconstruction, including chancel with oak furnishings
Item 16 of 1241929Craigendinnie HouseAboyne AberdeenshireScotlandReconstruction and alterations
Item 17 of 1241929Fetlar Parish Church Manse FetlarShetlandScotlandRepairs
Item 18 of 1241929House for Reverend Herbert ReidGourock RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 19 of 1241929Park FarmKinsteary Estate NairnshireScotlandRestoration of farm buildings
Item 20 of 1241929St Margaret's School  AberdeenScotlandAdition of laboratory block, new hall and link corridor, and sports pavilion
Item 21 of 124After 1929Glenluie HouseBallater AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 22 of 124c. 1929Alford Higher Grade SchoolhouseAlford AberdeenshireScotlandNew school
Item 23 of 124c. 1929St Moluag's Church ManseTarland AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 24 of 124c. 1929Tarland SchoolTarland AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 25 of 1241930sChalmers HospitalBanff BanffshireScotlandNurses' home? - also glass porch at nurses home, boiler, and electric plant and other additions
Item 26 of 1241930BalnagowanAboyne AberdeenshireScotlandNew house and outbuildings
Item 27 of 1241930Benmohr, House for Dr George MitchellInsch AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 28 of 1241930Birse and Feughside Parish ChurchFinzean AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 29 of 1241930Birse Parish Church ManseBirse AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 30 of 1241930Haddo HouseHaddo/Methlick AberdeenshireScotlandRenovation and reconstruction of west wing after fire and alterations to south wing
Item 31 of 1241930House and Outhouse on St Eunan's Road  AberdeenScotland 
Item 32 of 1241930House for Thomas Ayrton, Springfield Avenue  AberdeenScotland 
Item 33 of 1241930O'Neill Corse Primary School and SchoolhouseCorse? AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and new classroom block
Item 34 of 1241930Old Semeil SchoolOld Semeil AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 35 of 1241930Ruthin Castle  ClwydWalesFurther work
Item 36 of 1241930SchoolTyrie AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 37 of 124c. 1930Aberdeen Municipal Buildings and Tolbooth  AberdeenScotlandAlterations
Item 38 of 124c. 1930Church of ScotlandBucksburn AberdeenScotlandAlterations
Item 39 of 124c. 1930Midmar ManseMidmar AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations including water supply
Item 40 of 124c. 1930Nether Balfour Cottages, Single and Double Cottar Houses, Littlewood EstateLittlewood Estate, Alford AberdeenScotland 
Item 41 of 124c. 1930North Church  AberdeenScotlandAlterations and repairs
Item 42 of 124c. 1930Park Hall, DrumoakDrumoak AberdeenshireScotlandRole unknown
Item 43 of 124c. 1930Roadside CottageCandacraig Estate AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 44 of 1241931All Saints' Episcopal Church of Scotland and Church HallHilton AberdeenScotland 
Item 45 of 1241931Fyvie (new) SchoolFyvie AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 46 of 1241931Nairn Town and County Hospital Maternity BlockNairn NairnshireScotland 
Item 47 of 1241931Shethin, Shethin FarmEast of Haddo AberdeenshireScotlandRestoration after fire
Item 48 of 124193219 Fonthill Terrace  AberdeenScotlandAddition of bathroom
Item 49 of 1241932Ardhuncart LodgeAlford AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations to main house and estate buildings
Item 50 of 1241932Cottar House, Tollhouse, HowmillmossatToll o'Mossat, Alford AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 51 of 1241932Double Cottar House, Edinbanchory Cottages, Littlewood EstateLittlewood Estate, Alford AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 52 of 1241932House for Mrs J C FentonBallater AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 53 of 1241932Lossiemouth Free ChurchLossiemouth MorayshireScotlandReconstruction
Item 54 of 1241932Newe Arms HotelStrathdon AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 55 of 1241932Royal Mental Hospital  AberdeenScotlandAdditions and alterations
Item 56 of 1241932Skene Parish ChurchSkene AberdeenshireScotlandInterior remodelled
Item 57 of 124c. 1932St Fitticks Church HallsTorry AberdeenScotlandNew halls
Item 58 of 1241933Alexander Scott's HospitalHuntly AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 59 of 1241933Bungalow at Balgonie/BeauvaisBallater AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 60 of 1241933Cromleybank, Comely Bank FarmEllon AberdeenshireScotlandRestoration of mill and byre after fire
Item 61 of 1241933Double villa, Queen's Road  AberdeenScotlandAdditions and alterations, converting it into single villa
Item 62 of 1241933HowmillLittlewood Estate, Alford AberdeenshireScotlandNew porch
Item 63 of 1241933Peterhead AcademyPeterhead AberdeenshireScotlandAdditions and alterations
Item 64 of 1241933School at InschInsch AberdeenshireScotlandExtension and alterations
Item 65 of 1241933St Fergus's ChurchGlamis AngusScotlandRestoration, alteration and additions
Item 66 of 1241933St Gerardine's Church and hallLossiemouth MorayshireScotlandRestoration
Item 67 of 124c. 1933BalgonieBallater AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations to main house
Item 68 of 1241934Birse Parish ChurchBirse AberdeenshireScotlandReconstruction
Item 69 of 1241934Church Halls  Aberdeen  
Item 70 of 1241934Culter HousePeterculter AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 71 of 1241934Dower House, Pittodrie EstatePittodrie Estate AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 72 of 1241934Inverernan House and StablesStrathdon AberdeenshireScotlandReconstruction of house and conversion of stables into garage
Item 73 of 1241934Old House of Glack and New House of Glack  AberdeenshireScotlandAddition of rear two-storey wing of Old House of Glack, male hospital, hall chapel and occupational therapy; conversion of steading
Item 74 of 1241935Claud Hamilton Ltd Car Showroom and Offices, Union Row  AberdeenScotland 
Item 75 of 1241935Fraserburgh Free ChurchFraserburgh AberdeenshireScotlandChurch hall
Item 76 of 1241935Fraserburgh South Church HallFraserburgh AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 77 of 1241935Ian Charles HospitalGrantown-on-Spey MorayshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 78 of 1241935Inverernan Farm and Offices, Forbes LodgeStrathdon AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations to farm steading block, etc
Item 79 of 1241935Premises for Menzies & Sons Ltd Outfitters, George Street  AberdeenScotlandReconstruction
Item 80 of 1241935WhitehouseAlford|Tough AberdeenshireScotlandRestoration after fire
Item 81 of 1241935Woodside South Parish ChurchWoodside AberdeenScotlandRenovation
Item 82 of 1241936Boots the Pharmacist, Union Street  AberdeenScotlandReconstruction
Item 83 of 1241936House on Woodburn Avenue  AberdeenScotland 
Item 84 of 1241936John Knox Established ChurchMounthooly AberdeenScotlandAdditions
Item 85 of 1241936Linmoor Convalescent HomePeterculter Aberdeenshire/KincardineshireScotlandExtension
Item 86 of 1241936Liverpool Insurance Company  AberdeenScotland 
Item 87 of 1241936Murtle Den HouseMurtle AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations: lighting, heating and drainage
Item 88 of 1241936Pitcaple HallLogie Durno AberdeenshireScotlandUnspecified work
Item 89 of 1241936Proposed Doctor's House, House of DaviotInverurie AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 90 of 1241936Rothienorman New Parish ChurchRothienorman AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 91 of 1241936Rothienorman Parish Church ManseRothienorman AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 92 of 1241936St Machar's Parish Church and Church HallAboyne AberdeenshireScotlandPlan of heating layout
Item 93 of 1241937Aberdeen Parish Council Offices  AberdeenScotlandAlterations
Item 94 of 1241937Bridge over the River DeeAboyne AberdeenshireScotlandDesign overall by F A Macdonald & Partners but Bennet Mitchell responsible for architectural treatment
Item 95 of 1241937Garage on Gladstone Place  AberdeenScotland 
Item 96 of 1241937Glass School and SchoolhouseGlass AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions or new school
Item 97 of 1241937House for the Misses NicolCults AberdeenScotland 
Item 98 of 1241937House on Robert StreetStonehaven KincardineshireScotland 
Item 99 of 1241937Mausoleum at Littlewood EstateLittlewood Estate, Alford AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 100 of 1241937Old Bridge Croft, Littlewood EstateLittlewood Estate, Alford AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 101 of 1241937Shop for Reid & Pearson, St Nicholas Street and Schoolhill  AberdeenScotlandExtension
Item 102 of 1241937St Mary's Parish Church hallBanff BanffshireScotland 
Item 103 of 124c. 1937Invermossat Cottages, Cottar House East and Cottar House West, Littlewood EstateLittlewood Estate, Alford AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 104 of 1241938House for Dr ScottBanchory KincardineshireScotland 
Item 105 of 1241938Keith HallInverurie AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 106 of 1241938Logie-Coldstone Public SchoolLogie-Coldstone AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 107 of 1241938Torphins Higher Grade School and SchoolhouseTorphins AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 108 of 1241939Braemar SchoolBraemar AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 109 of 1241939Farmhouse, Park of Brux, Mossat, Littlewood EstateLittlewood Estate AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 110 of 1241939House for J B LeonardCulter AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 111 of 1241939House for Mrs MacKenzieAboyne AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 112 of 1241939National Bank of Scotland, Peterhead BranchPeterhead AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 113 of 1241939Trinity Hall  AberdeenScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 114 of 124c. 1939National Bank of Scotland, Fraserburgh BranchFraserburgh AberdeenshireScotlandAlterations
Item 115 of 1241949Stockethill ChurchStockethill AberdeenScotland 
Item 116 of 1241951Primary County School, AboyneAboyne AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 117 of 1241952Bellie KirkFochabers MorayshireScotlandRestoration
Item 118 of 1241952King's CollegeOld Aberdeen AberdeenScotlandWing connecting Library to Elphinstone Hall
Item 119 of 1241954Old Meldrum Parish ChurchOld Meldrum / Oldmeldrum AberdeenshireScotlandInterior recast
Item 120 of 1241956King's College, Elphinstone Hall  AberdeenScotlandAlterations and additions
Item 121 of 1241958St ColmDaviot AberdeenshireScotlandChurch re-orientated
Item 122 of 124Before 1962Hospital for Sick Children  AberdeenScotlandExtensions
Item 123 of 124Before 1962King's College, Botany Department  AberdeenScotlandExtensions
Item 124 of 124Before 1962King's College, Forestry Department  AberdeenScotlandExtensions

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 3Bailey, Rebecca M1996Scottish architects' papers: a source book Edinburgh: The Rutland Presspp98-99
Item 2 of 3Gregory, Neil2001George Bennett Mitchell and Son: A Very Aberdonian PracticeNovember 2001Leopard Magazine, November 2001 
Item 3 of 3Gregory, Neil2001Scottish Architects' Papers Preservation ProjectWinterAHSS 

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 3Aberdeen Evening Express7 December 1964  Obituary
Item 2 of 3Aberdeen Press and Journal8 December 1964  Obituary
Item 3 of 3Builder20 July 1951  p102

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this :
 SourceArchive NameSource Catalogue No.Notes
Item 1 of 2National Monuments Record of Scotland/NMRS, RCAHMSScottish Architects Papers Preservation Project essays Collection essay
Item 2 of 2RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert MuseumRIBA Nomination Papers A no3342 (microfilm reel 26); F no2821 (box 12)