Basic Biographical Details
| Name: | James Gowan |
| Designation: | |
| Born: | 18 October 1923 |
| Died: | 12 June 2015 |
| Bio Notes: | James Gowan was born on 18 October 1923 in Pollokshields, the son of James Gowan and his wife Isobel. His parents separated and he was raised initially by his grandparents. From the age of twelve he was with his mother who encouraged his interest in art. Gowan enrolled in Glasgow School of Art to study architecture but his course was interrupted by war service with the RAF, working as a radio operator in Palestine. After he was demobbed in 1947 he completed his studies at Kingston School of Architecture under Philip Powell (of Powell & Moya). After graduation Gowan worked for Powell on the competition-winning design for the Skylon Tower which was built for the Festival of Britain exhibition. He moved for a short time thereafter to Stevenage New Town before returning to London to a post in the office of Lyons Israel Ellis. It was there that he met fellow Scot James Stirling for the first time. They formed a partnership in 1956. Stirling and Gowan worked together of a number of significant post-modernist buildings. Their first work together, the Langham House Close flats at Ham Common (1956), established them as one of the most cutting edge practices of their generation. This was followed by the commission for the Engineering building at Leicester University which was completed in 1963. The design was said to have been influenced by the work of Le Corbusier and it was noted for its technological and geometric character. The commission for the History Faculty Library at Cambridge University followed later in 1963. Stirling wanted to re-use and adapt the Leicester University design but Gowan opposed this as he felt that the function of the building was not expressed in its design. There were many arguments between the two men. This led to a split in the practice and the two continued separately. Stirling went on to gain further renown while Gowan worked alone in relative obscurity. Gowan went on to design the Schrieber House at West Hampstead for the leading British furniture manufacturer, Claud Schreiber. Although it had a fortress-like external appearance, the interior boasted luxurious open-plan space which was fitted out by Gowan. He also designed various housing schemes such as those at Greenwich and East Hanningfield, Essex which sought to tackle social issues. Gowan was also an important teacher who influenced a generation of significant architects such as Richard Rogers and Piers Gough. Gowan married Margaret Barry in 1964. She died in 2001. Gowan died on 12 June 2015 in London. He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. |
Employment and Training
Employers
| The following individuals or organisations employed or trained this (click on an item to view details): | |||||
| Name | Date from | Date to | Position | Notes | |
 | Lyons Israel & Ellis | 1950s | Architect | ||
| Powell & Moya | 1951 | Assistant | ||
| Stirling & Gowan | 1956 | 1963 | Partner | |
References
Periodical References
| The following periodicals contain references to this : | |||||
| Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | |
| Scotsman | 17 July 2015 | |||