Basic Biographical Details Name: | James Steel Maitland | Designation: | | Born: | 27 August 1887 | Died: | 27 February 1982 | Bio Notes: | James Steel Maitland was born at Strone, Argyllshire, on 27 August 1887, of a well-connected family, his mother Kate Coats Steel being an adopted sister of the thread magnate George H Coats. His father James Maitland was a master grocer with a substantial business.
Maitland was educated at Kilblain Academy in Greenock and at Glasgow High School. He had hoped to become an artist but parental disapproval resulted in his being articled to William Leiper, then practising in partnership with William Hunter McNab, in 1903: apart from ____ Whimster of the shipping family, whose father removed him because of the rapidly declining prospects for architecture, he was Leiper's last apprentice. McNab was then gradually taking over the practice c.1905-06 as Leiper went into semi-retirement, but Maitland continued to enjoy Leiper's friendship and was frequently invited to stay at Terpersie. During his time at Leiper's, Maitland attended Glasgow School of Art, from 1904 under Eugène Bourdon. At the School, then in Rose Street, his particular friends were Andrew Noble Prentice and the sculptor Albert Hodge, but the latter moved to London c.1903.
At the end of his apprenticeship in 1909 Maitland went to London to see John James Burnet in the hope of employment on the British Museum but Burnet already had a full staff and could only agree to take him on as an unpaid assistant for two years. In the event Thomas Graham Abercrombie told Leiper of a vacancy in Brown & Vallance's office in Montreal, Brown being a cousin of the Browns of Brown & Polson in Paisley. Leiper wrote to Brown on Maitland's behalf and before the end of the year Maitland emigrated to join Brown & Vallance. Brown proved a generous employer: Maitland was allowed to largely design the Bleury or Southam and the Herald Buildings in Montreal and was sent to see other architects' offices in Washington and Philadelphia. On behalf of the firm he also reported on the work of the decorative artists Henry Eggess, Jules Guerin and Maxfield Parrish. In 1913, whilst still in the employment of Brown & Vallance, he travelled in France and in 1914 he married the embroider Ellison J F Young. .
After the outbreak of the First World War, Maitland went to Ithaca, New York to learn to fly and returned to Britain to join the British Royal Naval Air Service. He specialised in seaplanes and flying boats, mainly on reconnaissance and submarine patrol work over the English Channel. By the end of the war he was an instructor with the rank of Flight commander and was awarded the Air Force cross for his services.
Early in 1920, after what he described as 'a brief interlude outside architecture', Maitland joined the office of Thomas Graham Abercrombie in Paisley as principal assistant, becoming partner in 1923 and continuing as sole partner after Abercrombie's death on 16 February 1926. Another James Maitland (born 1906), presumably a relative, joined the practice as an apprentice in September 1921, remaining as assistant until April 1927 when he moved to the firm of Cullen, Lochhead & Brown for a brief period before settling in the office of James Taylor. The younger Maitland had no further connections with the Abercrombie & Maitland practice thereafter, and remained with Taylor until the Second World War, following which he commenced practice on his own account in London.
James Steel Maitland was admitted LRIBA in late 1931 and FRIBA in early 1932, his proposers on both occasions being McNab, George Arthur Boswell and John Keppie. He became the burgh architect of Renfrew in the early 1930s.
Maitland was a painter, wood-carver, theatrical scene painter and costume designer as well as architect and among his many interests he was President of the Paisley Burns, Rotary and Bohemian Clubs, and in his later years became committed to the conservation of Paisley, leading the unsuccessful campaign to save New Street.
Maitland gradually wound down the practice in the early 1960s and closed it in 1963. It was then still based in Abercrombie's office at County Place. He died at the house he had designed for himself, Littlecroft, 21 Stonefield Avenue Paisley on 27 February 1982. His wife having predeceased him in 1949, he was cared for in his last years by his daughter Helen. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | ![Item 1 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | Rochbank, Strone, Argyll, Scotland | Private | 1903 * | | | ![Item 2 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | 14, Hill Street, Garnethill, Glasgow, Scotland | Private | 1904 * | | | ![Item 3 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | 43, Dudley Drive, Partick, Glasgow, Scotland | Private | 1905 * | | | ![Item 4 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | 36, Cromartie Avenue, Newlands, Glasgow, Scotland | Private | 1906 * | | | ![Item 5 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | 1, County Place, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland | Business | 1920 | 1963 | | ![Item 6 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | Littlecroft/21, Stonefield Avenue, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland | Private | 1931 * | | | ![Item 7 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | 26, King Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland | Private | 1934 * | | | ![Item 8 of 8](images/table_item.gif) | 99, Arklestone Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland | Private | 1939 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Employment and TrainingEmployersEmployees or PupilsThe following individuals were employed or trained by this (click on an item to view details): | | Name | Date from | Date to | Position | Notes | ![Item 1 of 1](images/table_item.gif) | Alexander G Macgregor | 1953 | 1954 | Apprentice | |
RIBARIBA ProposersRIBA Proposals
Buildings and DesignsThis 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 | ![Item 1 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1908 | Herald Building | | | Montreal | Canada | | ![Item 2 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1910 | Bleury Building | | | Montreal | Canada | | ![Item 3 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1921 | Shop premises | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 4 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1922 | Royal Alexandra Infirmary | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Additions and nurses home | ![Item 5 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | Anchor Recreation Club, Blackhall | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | taken over from Abercrombie and Hamilton and redesigned | ![Item 6 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | After 1923 | Sports pavilion for Messrs Clark & Co | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 7 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House at Potterhill | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 8 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Littlecroft | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 9 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Offices, St James Street | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 10 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Shops and warehouse for Arnotts | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 11 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Russell Institute | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 12 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | St John's Church Hall | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 13 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Robert Cochrane's Warehouse | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Façade and extensive alterations | ![Item 14 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | Duncan Macpherson Hospital | Gourock | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Extension | ![Item 15 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | Glasgow Maternity Hospital | | | Glasgow | Scotland | Original (Baldie) building converted into nurses' home | ![Item 16 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Greenock Royal Infirmary Convalescent Home | Greenock | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 17 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Littlecroft | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Additions | ![Item 18 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Four Square Tobacco Factory | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Extension and reconstruction | ![Item 19 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Housing | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 20 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Ferguson Street Housing | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 21 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Lochwinnoch Sanatorium | Lochwinnoch | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 22 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Newark House | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Extension | ![Item 23 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Fulbar Lane Housing Scheme | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 24 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Porterfield Road Housing Schemes 1, 2, 3 and 4 | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 25 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Royal Alexandra Infirmary | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Casualty Department | ![Item 26 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1933 | Office and shops | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 27 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1933 | Warehouse for Bryce & Co | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 28 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Branch Library | Johnstone | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 29 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Ferguslie Park | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Reconstruction as auxiliary hospital | ![Item 30 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Tenements and offices and shops below | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 31 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | House, Potterhill | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 32 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | Littlecroft | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Additions | ![Item 33 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | West School | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 34 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Dyeworks for A Bell & Sons, Hawkhead | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 35 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Kelvin House | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 36 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Offices for J Kirkpatrick & Son | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 37 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Porterfield Road Housing Scheme 5 | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 38 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Woodside Crematorium | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 39 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | Paisley Grammar School and William Barbour Academy | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Janitor's Lodge | ![Item 40 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | Glenview, Potterview Avenue | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 41 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | Pavilion and Caretaker's house | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 42 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | Porterfield Road Housing Schemes 6 and 7 | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 43 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1940 | Cocklesloan Housing Scheme | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 44 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1940 | Craigisla | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 45 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1940 | Silverstream | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 46 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1940 | St Christopher Hall Church | Nether Pollok | | Glasgow | Scotland | Original hall church; now attached to 1960s church | ![Item 47 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1944 | Public Housing, West Avenue area | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 48 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1947 | Four Square Tobacco Factory | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Further work? Or completition delayed because of the war? | ![Item 49 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1949 | Penilee St Andrew's Church Halls | | | Glasgow | Scotland | Halls including original church | ![Item 50 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1949 | St Andrews Church hall | Penilee | | Glasgow | Scotland | | ![Item 51 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1949 | St Christopher Hall Church | Nether Pollok | | Glasgow | Scotland | Extensions | ![Item 52 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1949 | Craigton Crematorium | Craigton | | Glasgow | Scotland | | ![Item 53 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1949 | Kirklandneuk School | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 54 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1950 | Kirklandneuk Housing Scheme | Renfrew | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 55 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1951 | Priesthill Parish Hall-Church | Pollok | | Glasgow | Scotland | | ![Item 56 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1952 | Robertson Park, Old Men's Cabin | Greenock | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 57 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1953 | Paisley Abbey | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Restoration | ![Item 58 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1953 | Place of Paisley | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Some restoration work | ![Item 59 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1953 | Small residence | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 60 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1953 | Weaver's Cottage | Kilbarchan | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Restoration | ![Item 61 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1954 | Villa, 12 Thornly Park Drive | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 62 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1956 | St Peters Primary School | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 63 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1960 | Place of Paisley | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Restoration as residence for Minister | ![Item 64 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | 1960 | Royal Alexandra Infirmary Casualty and Outpatients Department | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | | ![Item 65 of 65](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1960 | Memorial to William Motherwell, Paisley Sheriff Court | Paisley | | Renfrewshire | Scotland | Maitland also did the carving |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | ![Item 1 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | Hamilton, Laura | 1983 | A Paisley Architect: James Steel Maitland (1887-1982) | no 10, 1983 | Scottish Georgian Society Bulletin (Based on interview with Maitland, 13 and 31 July 1981) | | ![Item 2 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | Maitland, James Steel | 1952 | Scottish Housing Past and Present | | RIBA Journal, July 1952 | | ![Item 3 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | RCAHMS | 1999 | Homebuilders: Mactaggart & Mickel and the Scottish housebuilding industry | | RCAHMS | p 120 | ![Item 4 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA | 1939 | The RIBA Kalendar 1939-1940 | | London: Royal Institute of British Architects | | ![Item 5 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | Walker, Frank Arneil | 1986 | South Clyde Estuary: An Illustrated Architectural Guide to Inverclyde and Renfrew | | | p8, p17, p20, p30, p34, p36, p98, p99 |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | ![Item 1 of 2](images/table_item.gif) | Professor David M Walker personal archive | Professor David M Walker, notes and collection of archive material | | Personal information from interview with Dr Ian Campbell, 1981 and undated cutting based on interview while still in practice; address research by Iain Paterson | ![Item 2 of 2](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | L no3990 (box 19); F no3023 (box 15) |
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