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Practices

Basic Biographic Details

Archibald & James Elliot
Architectural practice
Circa (Year)
1801
Year Only
1810
Archibald Elliot was born in Ancrum, Roxburghshire in August 1761, while James, his younger brother, was born in April 1770, the sons of a carrier. Archibald was supposedly trained as a joiner and to have worked as a draughtsman for a cabinet maker in London. He may have worked at Douglas Castle in Lanarkshire where he is said to have completed some architectural work after a falling out between the architect and the proprietor. Reputedly he also either built Castle Mona on the Isle of Man to the designs of the architect and antiquarian James Steuart or to have completed it after James Steuart’s death in 1806.

No clear imformation is yet available about James's training as an architect. In a letter from Alexander Trotter of Dreghorn to Lord Breadalbane he states that James is a draughtsman and designer and 'has had a regular education there [in London]...and much experience under the best masters'. He was in partnership with his brother from before 1800. Archibald worked from an office in London while James remained in Scotland to supervise the Scottish commissions.

Between 1794 and 1799 Archibald Elliot exhibited designs at the Royal Academy in London. He formed a partnership with his brother, born 1770, soon after 1800. Archibald practised in London while James remained in Scotland to oversee the work of the practice there. However James died in 1810 and Archibald then divided his time between London and Edinburgh. When the contracts for Jedburgh Jail were advertised in 1820, Elliot is described as 'Mr Elliot, architect, London'.

Archibald Elliot was one of the leading architects in Edinburgh in the early 19th century. His design for Waterloo Place and the Regent Bridge are highly successful. Being a native Scot he was favoured by many to design the National Monument.

Archibald and James Elliot specialised in castellated country houses with Gothic detailing. The buildings are often symmetrical. The interiors are generally classical in style but a number like Taymouth, Lindertis and Newbyth the interiors are designed in an elablorate Gothic style.

Elliot died in Edinburgh on 16 June 1823 and is buried in the New Calton Graveyard where he is commemorated by a fluted column with a draped urn on top. His son, also Archibald, continued the practice.

'Biography authored by the Dictionary of Scottish Architects Compilation Team.'

Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this architectural practice:

Business Addresses

Business Addresses2

AddressTypeDate FromDate ToNotes
Edinburgh ScotlandBusiness
London EnglandBusiness

Partners, Employees and Pupils

The following individuals were employed or trained by this architectural practice (click on an item to view details):

Employees or Pupils2

NamePositionDate FromDate ToNotes
Archibald ElliotPartner

Buildings and Designs

This architectural practice was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):

Buildings and Designs2

BuildingPartnership GPRoleDate FromDate ToTown DistrictIslandCity CountyCountryNotes
Loudoun CastleAArchitectural practiceIn year 1804In year 1811GalstonAyrshireScotlandNew castellated house around 17th-century core enclosing tower of c.1600
Stobo CastleAArchitectural practiceIn year 1805In year 1811PeeblesshireScotland
Taymouth CastleGArchitectural practiceAfter 1805TaymouthPerthshireScotlandPaterson house demolished by the Elliots and new house built on new site.
Kirkcaldy Old KirkAArchitectIn year 1806In year 1807KirkcaldyFifeScotland
AuchmoreBArchitectural practiceIn year 1806In year 1807KillinPerthshireScotlandAlterations and enlargement
GuildhallAArchitectural practiceIn year 1807In year 1811DunfermlineFifeScotland
Dunkeld HouseBArchitectural practiceIn year 1809PerthshireScotlandWorks for the Duke of Atholl, including castellated gateway and stables (demolished).
St Mary's ChurchUArchitectural practiceIn year 1810In year 1811HaddingtonEast LothianScotlandConsultant architects for alterations by James Burn including plaster vault in the nave.

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this architectural practice:

Bib ref

AuthorTitleDatePublisherPartNotes
Colvin, H MA Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-18401995New Haven and London: Yale University Press3rd edition