Basic Biographical Details Name: | George Watt | Designation: | | Born: | 1865 | Died: | 18 December 1931 | Bio Notes: | George Watt was born in 1865, the son of William Watt (incorrectly given as George Watt in the Builder obituary), senior partner in the firm of G Fordyce & Co, Builders, Aberdeen and his wife Christine Mitchell. He attended classes in building construction at Gray's School of Art from 1887-89. He served his articles from 1879 with Matthews & Mackenzie where he worked alongside Alexander Brown (born 1853). He remained with them for a year as an assistant before obtaining a place in the office of Campbell Douglas & Sellars in 1885, where he worked closely with Sellars and Keppie and absorbed their style. He returned to Aberdeen in 1887 as assistant to Brown, who had left Matthews & Mackenzie to commence independent practice in c.1880. The aim appears to have been to take Brown's somewhat mundane housing-based firm more upmarket. Early in his career he was entrusted with additions and alterations at Crathes and in 1889 he won the local competition for Aberdeen Public Library with a Sellars-inspired design, Matthews & Mackenzie coming second and Pirie & Clyne third, his contribution being recognised with a partnership in 1891. The influence of Sellars remained strong as can be seen at Watt's splendid Beechgrove Free Church, the spire of which challenges comparison with those of William Leiper.
Watt was admitted FRIBA on 4 March 1907, his proposers being Robert Gordon Wilson Junior, Arthur Hay Livingstone Mackinnon and Arthur Clyne. His nomination papers state that he had spent three weeks in France and Belgium in 1889.
Watt was married to Jean, a daughter of George Collie, a notable advocate in Aberdeen. Watt was JP for the County of the City of Aberdeen and served as Vice President of the Aberdeen Society of Architects. He retired in or about 1928. He died suddenly on 18 December 1931 at Bieldside house, an early 19th-century villa which he had remodelled for himself in an Arts and Crafts manner. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | ![Item 1 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 4, Frederick Street, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | After 1887 | | | ![Item 2 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 53, Jasmine Terrace, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | c. 1887 | | | ![Item 3 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 17, Union Terrace, Aberdeen, Scotland | Business | 1891 | After 1907 | | ![Item 4 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 2, Ann Place, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private(?) | 1893 | | | ![Item 5 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | Bieldside House, Bieldside, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | 1903 | After 1930 | |
Employment and TrainingEmployersEmployees or Pupils
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 150](images/table_item.gif) | | Aberdeen Ice Factory | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Date unknown | ![Item 2 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | | School | Rhynie | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Date unknown | ![Item 3 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | | School at Dyce | Dyce | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Date unknown | ![Item 4 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1889 | Central Public Library | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | As assistant and latterly partner of Alexander Brown on winning competition entry | ![Item 5 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1891 | Springbank Cemetery Lodge | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 6 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1891 | Three cottages, Holburn Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 7 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1892 | House, Poynernook | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 8 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1892 | House, Queen's Road West | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 9 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1892 | Old Machar Poorhouse | Old Machar | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Hospital buildings | ![Item 10 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1892 | Store, Market Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 11 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1892 | Two cottages, Blanheim Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 12 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | George Street Baptist Church | Gilcomston Park | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 13 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | Holburn Free Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 14 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | House and shops, Huntly Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 15 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | House, Fountainhall Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 16 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | House, Menzies Road | Torry | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 17 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | House, Mount Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 18 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | House, Summer Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 19 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | Shops and hall, Windmill Brae | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 20 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | Trinity Hall | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Addition | ![Item 21 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | Two houses, Gladstone Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 22 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | Two houses, Hamilton Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 23 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1893 | Two houses, Mile End Avenue | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 24 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | Four houses, Hamilton Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 25 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | House and shop, Rose Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 26 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | House, Beaconsfield Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 27 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | House, Forest Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 28 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | House, Hamilton Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 29 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | House, Roslin Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 30 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | House, Stanley Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 31 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | Two houses, Clifton Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 32 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | Two houses, Fonthill Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 33 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1894 | Two houses, Holburn Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 34 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1895 | Atholl Hotel | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Addition | ![Item 35 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1895 | Four houses, Hamilton Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 36 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1895 | Peterculter Church | Peterculter | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Central south projection and T-plan north aisle | ![Item 37 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1895 | Saltoun Arms Public House | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 38 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1895 | Sandeman Public Library | Perth | | Perthshire | Scotland | Competition design - placed equal second | ![Item 39 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1895 | Two houses, Western Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 40 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1895 | James Fleming Monument, Aberlour Churchyard | Aberlour | | Banffshire | Scotland | | ![Item 41 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | 33-35 Miller Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 42 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Aberlour Primary School | Aberlour | | Banffshire | Scotland | | ![Item 43 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Beechwood House | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 44 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Crathes Castle | Crathes | | Aberdeenshire/Kincardineshire | Scotland | Large family wing added, gallery restored | ![Item 45 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Four cottages, Belvidere Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 46 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Four houses, Hamilton Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 47 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Gilcomston Mills | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Additions | ![Item 48 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | House, Broomhill Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 49 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | House, Rubislaw Den South | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 50 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Hutcheon Street and Fraser Road corner | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 51 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Primary School | Craigellachie | | Banffshire | Scotland | | ![Item 52 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Six houses, Rosebery Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 53 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1896 | Two cottages, Mile End Avenue | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 54 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | 33 Albyn Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 55 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Beechgrove Free Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Won competition and secured job | ![Item 56 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Eight houses, Carlton Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 57 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Great Northern Road School | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 58 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Her Majesty's Theatre | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Supervised reconstruction of interior for Frank Matcham | ![Item 59 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | House, Beechgrove Terrace | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 60 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | House, Redgrove Terrace | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 61 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | House, Rubislaw Den South | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 62 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Houses and shops, Rosemount Viaduct | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 63 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Kittybrewster Primary School | Kittybrewster | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 64 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Kittybrewster Public School | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 65 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Mercantile Marine Offices | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 66 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Mission Hall for Belmont Street Congregational Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 67 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Property, Chapel Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 68 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Property, Huntly Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 69 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Six houses, Hamilton Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 70 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Two houses, Belvidere Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 71 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1897 | Two houses, Gray Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 72 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Aberdeen Steam Trawling Company | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 73 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Five houses, Thomson Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 74 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Four houses, Seaforth Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 75 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Grantown Free Church | Grantown-on-Spey | | Morayshire | Scotland | | ![Item 76 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | House | Bridge of Balgonie | | Fife | Scotland | | ![Item 77 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | House, Fraser Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 78 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | School | Raemoir | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 79 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Six houses, Carlton Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 80 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Three houses, King Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 81 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Two houses with shops, Belvidere Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 82 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Two houses, Bedford Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 83 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1898 | Two houses, St Andrew Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 84 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1899 | Central Bakery | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 85 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1899 | Drapery warehouse | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 86 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1899 | House and shop, Skene Square | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 87 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Four houses, Forest Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 88 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Ingleside, Rubislaw Den South | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 89 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Lewis Shaw's premises, Forest Avenue | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 90 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Northern Co-operative Buldings | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 91 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Oldmill Poorhouse | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 92 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Ruthrieston UF Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 93 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Villa, 66 Forest Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 94 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Villa, Rubislaw Den South | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 95 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1900 | Whinhill, Fonthill Terrace | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 96 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | Before 1900 | Glenrinnes | Dufftown | | Banffshire | Scotland | HS attribution | ![Item 97 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Butchers Arms public house | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 98 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Forsyth Hotel | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Alterations? New build? | ![Item 99 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Four houses, Bedford Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 100 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Kincardine County Hospital | Stonehaven | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | Won competition to secure job. | ![Item 101 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Melville UF Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 102 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Premises, King Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 103 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Public School | Balmedie | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Additions | ![Item 104 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1901 | Torphins UF Church | Torphins | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 105 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Branch Library | Torry | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 106 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Central Public Library | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Plans for new wing and reading room drawn up | ![Item 107 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | House, Bon Accord Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 108 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | House, Braemar Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 109 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | House, Fonthill Terrace | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 110 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | House, Fonthill Terrace | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 111 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | House, Fonthill Terrace | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 112 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | House, Fonthill Terrace | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 113 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Premises for Great Grimsby Company | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 114 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Two houses, Alburg Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 115 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Two houses, Cornhill Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 116 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Two houses, Richmondhill Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 117 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Bieldside House | Peterculter | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 118 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Five houses, Bedford Place | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 119 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Four houses, Hutcheon Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 120 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Grantown Grammar School | Grantown-on-Spey | | Morayshire | Scotland | Additions and alterations | ![Item 121 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | House and stables, Central Carriage Hiring Establishment | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 122 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Parish Manse | Kirkton of Glenbuchat | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Reconstruction | ![Item 123 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Six houses, Forest Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 124 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Three houses, Albury Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 125 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Two houses, Albury Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 126 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Two houses, King Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 127 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1904 | His Majesty's Theatre | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Supervised construction for Frank Matcham | ![Item 128 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1904 | School | New Deer | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 129 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1904 | Two houses, Abergeldie Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 130 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1904 | Two houses, Abergeldie Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 131 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1904 | Two houses, Fraser Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 132 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1905 | House and shops, George Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 133 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1905 | House, King Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 134 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1905 | Two houses, Holburn Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 135 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1906 | Nigg Parish Church Hall | Nigg | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | | ![Item 136 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1907 | Oldmill Poorhouse, Nurses' Home | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 137 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1908 | Burnett Arms Hotel | Banchory | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | Wing to right added - perhaps by Brown & Watt | ![Item 138 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Aberdeen Provincial Committee Training College | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Competition design | ![Item 139 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Her Majesty’s Theatre | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 140 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Northern Co-operative Memorial Fountain | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 141 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Premises 57-59 St Nicholas Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 142 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Preserved Provisions Factory, North Esplanade | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 143 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Scots Church | | | Rawalpindi | India | Design made - execution suprvised by engineers of the Military Works Department | ![Item 144 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1910 | Morkeu House | Cults | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Additions and alterations- porte cochere, loggia etc | ![Item 145 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1913 | Craigellie House | Alyth | | Perthshire | Scotland | Rebuilding (modelled on Craigellie house, Aberdeenshire, by John Smith) | ![Item 146 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1918 | Fish Curing Premises | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 147 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1918 | Fish Kiln and Store Sinclair Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 148 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Ballyrashane War Memorial Tower | Coleraine | | Derry | Northern Ireland | | ![Item 149 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Villa, 84 Queen's Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Remodelling | ![Item 150 of 150](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Shop, Hardgate | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | |
ReferencesPeriodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | ![Item 1 of 1](images/table_item.gif) | Aberdeen Weekly Journal | 18 January 1893 | | | |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | ![Item 1 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | H M Register House | Death Register | | | ![Item 2 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | National Monuments Record of Scotland/NMRS, RCAHMS | Album of newscuttings on the work of Alexander Brown of Brown and Watt | | | ![Item 3 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | National Monuments Record of Scotland/NMRS, RCAHMS | Brown and Watt Scrapbook | | | ![Item 4 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | L v17 no1224 | ![Item 5 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | Robert Gordon's University Archive | Collection of plans, manuscripts etc | | Several magazine articles, illustrations and photos relating to Brown & Watt - they belonged to George Watt. Also some personal photographs and original plans |
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