Basic Biographical Details Name: | Alexander Allan Foote | Designation: | | Born: | 21 July 1886 | Died: | 6 March 1969 | Bio Notes: | Alexander Allan Foote (generally known as Alex) was born on 21 July 1886, the son of Alexander Allan Foote, insurance agent, and his wife Agnes Stoole. He was articled to Thomas Saunders Robertson of Dundee on 28 March 1902, studying at Dundee Technical College and School of Art. When Robertson retired in September 1904 he transferred to the office of John Bruce & Son to complete his apprenticeship, remaining as assistant until March 1907. He then moved to London to seek wider constructional experience, finding employment as chief draughtsman to Kleine Fire Resisting Syndicate Ltd and studying at Holloway Polytechnic. He was elected FSA Scot in 1909 and in March the following year left the Kleine Company to settle in Edinburgh and take up an appointment in H M Office of Works. Between then and 1913 he studied at Edinburgh School of Art, Heriot-Watt College and Leith Technical College.
He passed the final exam in 1915 and in December that year he was sent to the Ministry of Munitions as HMOW representative for war buildings works in the Glasgow area. On completion of these works in May 1917 he entered the armed forces. He was demobilised on the request of the Office of Works in January 1919 and returned to that office as Acting Assistant Architect. He was admitted ARIBA in the middle of that year, his proposers being James Cumming Wynnes, John Watson and William Thomas Oldrieve. Later that year he transferred to the Department of Health for Scotland, where he held a number of positions including Assistant Architect for Housing.
He left the Department of Health in 1922 and commenced independent practice from his home at 92 Warrender Park Crescent, Edinburgh. He worked with no staff, only apprentices, often until midnight. He was responsible for a large output of domestic work and private developments. He was admitted FRIBA on 21 June 1937, proposed by William James Walker Todd, John Wilson and George Donaldson Macniven, by which time he had moved his office to 108 George Street. He closed his office on 1 October 1940 and joined the staff of the Scottish Special Housing Association where he tried to adopt RIAS standard house types on the estates it planned and was responsible for the engineering of the roads.
He resumed practice at 9 York Place in April 1945 and on 1 March 1946 he took his son, George Edward Foote into partnership as Alex Allan Foote & Son. The practice moved to 3 Grosvenor Gardens in 1966. Alexander Allan Foote died on 6 March 1969 at Longmore Hospital, Edinburgh, survived by his wife Sarah Ellen Finlay Watson. George Edward Foote died in 1991, the practice having closed in 1982. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | ![Item 1 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 80, George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private/business | | | This may be an error for 108 George Street - see below | ![Item 2 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 50, Lauder Road, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | | | Uncertain at what dates | ![Item 3 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | London, England | Private | c. 1908 | 1910 | | ![Item 4 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 92, Warrender Park Road/Crescent (?), Edinburgh, Scotland | Private/business | 1918 | 1920 | | ![Item 5 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 29, Hanover Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Business | 12 December 1922 | May 1924 | | ![Item 6 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 106, Hanover Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private/business | 28 May 1924 | c. 1935 | | ![Item 7 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 23, Hill Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Business | c. 1925 | Before 1936(?) | | ![Item 8 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 19, South Lauder Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | 1936(?) | | | ![Item 9 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 108, George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Business | 1936(?) | 1940 | | ![Item 10 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 9, York Place, Edinburgh, Scotland | Business | April 1945 | 1966 | | ![Item 11 of 11](images/table_item.gif) | 3, Grosvenor Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland | Business | 1966 | After 1970 | |
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 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | House, Barnton Grove | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 2 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | House, Barnton Grove | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 3 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | House, Barnton Grove | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 4 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | House, Buckstone Park, Comiston Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 5 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | House, Grant Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 6 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | House, Grant Avenue | Colinton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 7 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | Semi-detached houses, Cluny Gardens | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 8 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | Villa, Grant Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 9 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | After 1922 | Central Congress Hall | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 10 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | After 1922 | Grange Park Properties | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Reconstruction, alterations and additions | ![Item 11 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | After 1922 | Housing development and town planning | Irvine (adjoining) | | Ayrshire | Scotland | | ![Item 12 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | After 1922 | Housing schemes and town planning for extension of burgh boundaries | Lerwick | Mainland | Shetland | Scotland | | ![Item 13 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | After 1922 | Housing schemes for Zetland County Council | | | Shetland | Scotland | | ![Item 14 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | After 1922 | Stockbridge Corps Hall | Stockbridge | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 15 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | Belmont, Murrayfield feuing plan | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 16 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House (Kilrymont)and garage, Comiston Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 17 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House and garage, Comiston Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 18 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House, 2 Barnton Loan | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 19 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House, Barnshot Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 20 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House, Barnton Loan (or Avenue) | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 21 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House, Cluny Gardens | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 22 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House, Queen's Crescent | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 23 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | House, St Thomas Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 24 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | Shop, 33-34 Chambers Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 25 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | June 1923 | House, Barnton Loan (or Barnton Avenue) | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 26 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1923 | Pair of houses, Alnwickhill Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 27 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Bruntsfield Private Hotel | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 28 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Buildings at Bridge of Allan | Bridge of Allan | | Stirlingshire | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 29 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Farmhouse, Folda Farm | Glenisla | | Angus | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 30 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House and garage, 35 Barnton Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 31 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House and garage, Woodhall Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 32 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House, 25 Barnton Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 33 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House, Barnshot Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 34 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House, Barnshot Road | Colinton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 35 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House, Caroline Terrace | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 36 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | House, Caroline Terrace | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 37 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Ken Toul | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 38 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | The Bield | North Berwick | | East Lothian | Scotland | Unspecified work. New build? Alterations? | ![Item 39 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Two semi-detached dwelling houses at Morningside Grove | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 40 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | October 1924 | Double villa, Grange Loan | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 41 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1924 | House and garage, Barnton Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 42 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1924 | House, Craiglockhart Drive | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 43 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | 13 Braid Crescent | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 44 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | 4,6 and 8 Nelson Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Subdivision of 1st floor flat | ![Item 45 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Blinwell, Alnwickhill Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 46 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Flats and Shops, Gorgie Road at Westfield Road | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 47 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | House and shop, St John's Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 48 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Staindrop, Barnton Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 49 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Villa, corner of Grant Avenue and Bonaly Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 50 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Wolseley Corporation Motor Works (Sloan's) | Falkirk | | Stirlingshire | Scotland | | ![Item 51 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | 10 Glenisla Gardens | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 52 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | 25 Drumsheugh Gardens | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 53 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | Cinema, Livingstone Halls | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 54 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | Cottage at Russell Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 55 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | Cramond Parish Church Hall | Cramond | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Extension - 3 shemes drawn up | ![Item 56 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | Glenlee, Gorgie Road | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Proposed additions and alterations | ![Item 57 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | House, Whitehouse Road | Barnton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 58 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | Tea Room | West Linton | | Peeblesshire | Scotland | | ![Item 59 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1925 | Tennis Court Pavilion, Braid Estate | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 60 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | 19-20 Buckingham Terrace | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 61 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | 32 Drumsheugh Gardens | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Conversion into 3 flats | ![Item 62 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | Broxburn Lodge (or Rowallan?) | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 63 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | Eastmount | Bo'ness / Borrowstouness | | West Lothian | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 64 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | Motor Garage | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Conversion of piggeries to garages | ![Item 65 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | Property for the Independent Labour Party | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Plans drawn up for alterations | ![Item 66 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1926 | House, 18 Hallhead Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 67 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | 22 Cluny Drive | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 68 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | 24 Mayfield Terrace | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Garage built | ![Item 69 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | 30 Drumsheugh Gardens | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 70 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | 31 Dick Place | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 71 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Blinwell, Alnwickhill Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Garage | ![Item 72 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Bungalow, Oxgangs Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 73 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Glen Ord House and Nursery | Berwick-upon-Tweed | | Northumberland | England | Alterations? | ![Item 74 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Houses, Medwyn Estate | West Linton | | Peeblesshire | Scotland | | ![Item 75 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Properties at St Andrews Road and Monkton Road | Crail | | Fife | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 76 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Shop, St Mary's Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Minor alterations | ![Item 77 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Two bungalows, Glasgow Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 78 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Two houses, Ladywell Road | Corstorphine | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 79 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Villa, Greenhill Park | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Additions to wing of house | ![Item 80 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | Bell's Mill House, Bell's Mill | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 81 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | House at Craiglockhart | Craiglockhart | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 82 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | House at Waterlooville | Waterlooville, Portsmouth | | Hampshire | England | | ![Item 83 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | 42 Cluny Drive | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Garage built | ![Item 84 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Beechpark House, Broomieknowe | Lasswade | | Midlothian | Scotland | | ![Item 85 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Cuancreag | Gullane | | East Lothian | Scotland | | ![Item 86 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | House at Ravelston Dykes | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 87 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | The Rowans | Colinton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 88 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Villa, 5 Greenhill Park | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Motor house added | ![Item 89 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | March 1929 | House and garage at Oxgangs | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 90 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 169-177 Leith Walk | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations and reconditioning | ![Item 91 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 38 Dick Place stables | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Conversion to house | ![Item 92 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 5 Lansdowne Crescent | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Proposed conversion into 2 houses | ![Item 93 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930 | 10 Buckingham Terrace | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations and conversion into 2 houses | ![Item 94 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930 | 16 Merchiston Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 95 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930 | 30 Drumsheugh Gardens | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations and installation of lift | ![Item 96 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930 | Factory at Preston | Preston | | Lancashire | England | | ![Item 97 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930(?) | House for W Miller Thomas | Ravelston | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 98 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Shop and houses, St John's Road | Conley Grange | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Conversion into 2 houses and shop premises | ![Item 99 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | 110-112 Gorgie Road | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 100 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | 14 Gloucester Place | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 101 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | 8 Bruntsfield Place | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 102 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Three bungalows, Niddrie Road | Portobello | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 103 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1932 | Block of shops and houses, 279-293 St John's Road | Corstorphine | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 104 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Cinema and Congress Hall for the Salvation Army | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 105 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | 90A Princes Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations (including coffee room) - in hand | ![Item 106 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Bruntsfield Private Hotel | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Formation of new gateway and garage at Leamington Terrace | ![Item 107 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | County Hall and Offices for Zetland County Council | Lerwick? | Mainland? | Shetland | Scotland | Plans in hand | ![Item 108 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Flats and shops | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 109 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | Villa, Grant Avenue | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Addition of garage | ![Item 110 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | 23 Saxe Coburg Place | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Plans for conversion to 4 houses | ![Item 111 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1938 | Design for a hospital | | | | | | ![Item 112 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | SHA Camp | Gorebridge | | Midlothian | Scotland | | ![Item 113 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1946 | Bonniefield (Bonniefield) Lodge | Barnton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 114 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1953 | 16 Forth Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 115 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1954 | Whinhill School | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 116 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1955 | Phoenix Cinema | Kirkwall | Mainland | Orkney | Scotland | | ![Item 117 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1957 | Bell's Brae Primary School | Lerwick | Mainland | Shetland | Scotland | | ![Item 118 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1958 | Dean Street UP Church | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Conversion from Baptist to UP Church | ![Item 119 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1958 | Post Office and shop | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 120 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1959 | 1-5 Kirk Road | Dalserf | | Lanarkshire | Scotland | Restoration, including slating of roofs | ![Item 121 of 121](images/table_item.gif) | 1964 | Langlee Community Centre | Galashiels | | Selkirkshire | Scotland | |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | ![Item 1 of 1](images/table_item.gif) | Post Office Directories | | | | | |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | ![Item 1 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | H M Register House | Death Register | | | ![Item 2 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | Professor David M Walker personal archive | Professor David M Walker, notes and collection of archive material | | Verbal information from Alex Allan Foote | ![Item 3 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | A v24 no2788 (microfilm reel 23); F no3398 (box 22) |
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