Basic Biographical Details

Name: Arthur Mackenzie Watt-Low (or Watt Low)
Designation:  
Born: 20 April 1896
Died: 29 April 1949
Bio Notes: Arthur Mackenzie Watt-Low, who seems to have hyphenated his name but appears in directories under 'L' for Low, was born on 20 April 1896, the son of John Low, railway signalman who later became an inspector, and his wife, Isabella Lawrence Murray Low. He was articled to Alexander McInnes Gardner from 1911 to 1916, studying at Glasgow School of Architecture. He worked in the War Department from 1916 to 1922, serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers and gaining experience in the planning of hospitals, camps and stores. In the latter year he joined Robert John Walker of Glasgow as an assistant, remaining there until 1925.

In 1926 he commenced independent practice in Rutherglen, home and office being at 366 King's Park Avenue, Bankhead from at least 1934. His practice focussed largely on the planning and fitting out of business premises. He was also a Member of the Lanarkshire Education Committee, concerned with technical schools; and of the Lanarkshire County Council Housing, Building, Property & Schools Technical Committee.

Watt-Low was admitted LRIBA on 12 December 1944, his proposers being Colonel George Hunter Gardner-McLean, John Maurice Arthur and Basil Charlton Deacon. His nomination papers state that he had carried out a special study of sanitation and drainage.

He died in Rutherglen aged 53 on 29 April 1949, survived by his wife Annie Miller Boswell. At the time of his death he was the Progressive candidate for Bankhead, Rutherglen in the Lanark county election. He was the sutting member and had represented Bankhead for fourteen years. He was also a former president of the Bankhead Ratepayers' Association, treasurer of the Nursing Association (King's Park branch) and was a member of the Incorporation of Tailors of Rutherglen. He had served in both world wars in the Royal Engineers.

Private and Business Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this :
 AddressTypeDate fromDate toNotes
Item 1 of 2414, Dumbarton Row, Glasgow, ScotlandBusinessc. 1930 *  
Item 2 of 2366, King's Park Avenue, Bankhead, Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, ScotlandPrivate/businessBefore 1934After 1944 

* 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 2Alexander McInnes Gardner19111916Apprentice 
Item 2 of 2Robert James Walker19221925Assistant 

RIBA

RIBA Proposers

The following individuals proposed this for RIBA membership (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate proposedNotes
Item 1 of 3John Maurice Arthur12 December 1944for Licentiateship
Item 2 of 3Basil Charlton Deacon12 December 1944for Licentiateship
Item 3 of 3(Colonel) George Hunter Gardner-McLean12 December 1944for Licentiateship

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 3Post Office Directories     
Item 2 of 3RIBA1930The RIBA Kalendar 1930-1931 London: Royal Institute of British Architects 
Item 3 of 3RIBA1939The RIBA Kalendar 1939-1940 London: Royal Institute of British Architects 

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Scotsman30 April 1949  p5 Obituary

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this :
 SourceArchive NameSource Catalogue No.Notes
Item 1 of 3H M Register HouseDeath Register  
Item 2 of 3Professor David M Walker personal archiveProfessor David M Walker, notes and collection of archive material Additional research by Iain Paterson
Item 3 of 3RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert MuseumRIBA Nomination Papers L no5698 (combined box 95)