Basic Biographical Details Name: | James Brown Nicol | Designation: | | Born: | 1867 | Died: | 25 January 1953 | Bio Notes: | James Brown Nicol was born in Dumbarton on 27 February 1867. He attended Aberdeen Grammar School from 1882 to 1887 and was articled to Alexander Marshall Mackenzie from 1883 to 1888, where he worked under the supervision of the ablest of Makenzie's assistants, Alexander Mackintosh. There he met William Kelly, Henry Hardy Wigglesworth and James Carmichael ('a promising architect who died young'). In 1889 after a further year in Mackenzie's office he moved to Edinburgh to gain wider experience first with James Bow Dunn in 1889-90 and then with Sydney Mitchell & Wilson as chief assistant from 1890 until 1891 when he returned to Aberdeen as Kelly's assistant. Kelly took him into partnership eleven years later.
Nicol published 'Domestic Architecture in Scotland', a survey of contemporary work, in 1908, and at some point he made a study tour to Italy. He was an early contributor to the transactions of the Aberdeen Ecclesiological Society, having been enthused by the Rev Dr Cooper, proponent of that society and furthered the interests of his fellow-architects as President of the Aberdeen Society of Architects from 1925 to 1926 and as a member of the RIAS Council. For many years as Governor of Gordon's College he was Chairman of the Arts & Crafts Committee which controlled the School of Architecture and was largely responsible for building its reputation. He was also an elder of the South Church in Aberdeen.
Kelly retired from the partnership in 1928, Nicol continuing to practise, possibly in some kind of informal partnership with Robert Leslie Rollo with whom he shared offices in about 1939, until his own retirement in May 1952. The major work of this later stage in his career was the new Royal Infirmary at Forresterhill, a rugged granite-built complex on rising ground overlooking the sea.
Nicol was killed in an accident on the Aberdeen-Ellon road on 25 January the following year. He was married three times; first to William Kelly's sister Margaret and after her premature death in 1913, he re-married twice. He was survived by his third wife, three sons and two daughters. | 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) | 123, Cranford Road, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | | 1953 | | ![Item 2 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 24, Loanhead Terrace, Aberdeen, Scotland | Business | 1882 | 1887 | | ![Item 3 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 74, Forest Road, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | 1927 * | | | ![Item 4 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 367, Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland | Business | Before 1927 | After 1935 | | ![Item 5 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 146, Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland | Business | c. 1939 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Employment and TrainingEmployersEmployees or Pupils* earliest date known from documented sources.
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 67](images/table_item.gif) | | Glenbuchat Lodge | | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Restoration and enlargement at rear - date unknown | ![Item 2 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Demonstration School | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 3 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1902 | Society of Friends Meeting House | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 4 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1902 | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Extension | ![Item 5 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1902 | Business premises | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 6 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1902 | Jubilee Hospital | Huntly | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Extension | ![Item 7 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1902 | Moy House | Forres | | Morayshire | Scotland | Alterations and reconstruction | ![Item 8 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1902 | Music Hall | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Large additions | ![Item 9 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1902 | Woodend House | Banchory Ternan | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Alterations and reconstruction | ![Item 10 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Abernethy's Lodge | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 11 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Banff District Asylum, Troup/Ladysbridge | Banff | | Banffshire | Scotland | Separate villa for male patients (Mayfield Villa) | ![Item 12 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Mackie Academy | Stonehaven | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | Addition of wings | ![Item 13 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Property for W Smith | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 14 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1903 | Invery House | Strachan | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Restoration and alterations - including later addition of south range beyond the pavilion | ![Item 15 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1905 | Langley, 25 Forest Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Additions | ![Item 16 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1905 | Tertowie House | Kinellar | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Wing added | ![Item 17 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1905 | The Gables | Stonehaven | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | | ![Item 18 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1905 | 69 Don Street | Old Aberdeen | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Restoration | ![Item 19 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1906 | Aberdeen Savings Bank | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 20 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1906 | Fife Arms Hotel | Braemar | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | West wing rebuilt | ![Item 21 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1907 | Carron Cottage | Stonehaven | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | Interior work including mantelpiece | ![Item 22 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1907 | Memorial to James Ferguson | Rothiemay | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 23 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1907 | St Mary's Parish Church | Ellon | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Alterations, including panelled and stencilled timber ceiling and the dado. | ![Item 24 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1907 | Tilquhillie Cottage | | | | Scotland | | ![Item 25 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1907 | Union Street and King Street and Union Bridge | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Railings (or parapets) | ![Item 26 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Tudor Lodge | Stonehaven | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | Conflict of information. Stonehaven Journal gives Coutts as architect. Kelly information from owner in 1960s. | ![Item 27 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1910 | Culter House | Peterculter | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Restoration of interiors | ![Item 28 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1910 | Gordon Schools | Huntly | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Addition of Higher Grade School | ![Item 29 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1912 | Huntly Public School | Huntly | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Secondary department added | ![Item 30 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1913 | Villa, 86 Queen's Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 31 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1914 | Harlaw Memorial | Harlaw | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 32 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1914 | Chapel of Garioch Parish Church | Chapel of Garioch | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Gallery level windows - probably by Kelly & Nicol | ![Item 33 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1918 | Murtle House | Peterculter | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 34 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1920 | Memorial to the Seventh Gordons | Banchory | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | | ![Item 35 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1920 | Aberdeen Grammar School, War Memorial | Denburn | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 36 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1920 | Banff War Memorial | Banff | | Banffshire | Scotland | | ![Item 37 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1920 | Dyce War Memorial | Dyce | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 38 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1920 | War Memorial | Birse | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 39 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1921 | Ardoe House | | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Porch (attribution) | ![Item 40 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1921 | Kinnaird Castle, with stables and lodge | Brechin | | Angus | Scotland | Restoration after fire, pavilion roofs removed and interior left incomplete | ![Item 41 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | King's College Chapel, University War Memorial | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 42 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1922 | St Clement's Episcopal Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | 'only a small part of the design built' | ![Item 43 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | Raemoir House | | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Restoration | ![Item 44 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | St James Episcopal Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Altar and war memorial reredos | ![Item 45 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 | War Memorial | Banchory | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | | ![Item 46 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1923 or 1926 | Keith Cottage Hospital | Keith | | Banffshire | Scotland | Further additions (Buildings of Scotland gives 1923- Richardson 1926) | ![Item 47 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1924 | Dunecht House (including chapel) | Echt | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Some internal remodelling and redecoration of chapel; western gates (some undertaken by Kelly in private capacity after his retirement), Main Gates in Dunecht Village | ![Item 48 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Dunecht, Estate Offices and Hall | Echt | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 49 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Dunnottar Castle | | | Kincardineshire | Scotland | Consolidation and partial re-roofing | ![Item 50 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | Foresterhill | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 51 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | College of Nursing Club and house at no 1 Fonthill Road | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Additions to Club | ![Item 52 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | East Lochside Steading | Skene | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 53 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Raemoir House | | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Gabled east wing and interior woodwork | ![Item 54 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1927 | Echt Churchyard, Monument to Viscount Cowdray | Echt | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | ![Item 55 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | Before 1927 | Hospital for Sick Children | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 56 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1927 | Turin House | Rescobie | | Angus | Scotland | Rebuilding on higher site | ![Item 57 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | After 1928 | Castle Fraser | | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Restoration work - left unfinished | ![Item 58 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1930s | Grand Hotel | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Additions? | ![Item 59 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1930s | Savings Bank | Holburn | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 60 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | King's College Chapel | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Restoration of east window, new butresses, stalls, desks, restoration of NE window at apse. Medieval pulpit partly reconstructed. | ![Item 61 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | University of Aberdeen Union | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 62 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930 | Aberdeen Lunatic Asylum | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Extensions | ![Item 63 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Savings Bank | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 64 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Aberdeen Maternity Hospital | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 65 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | University of Aberdeen Students' Union | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | ![Item 66 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | 23 Don Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Restoration | ![Item 67 of 67](images/table_item.gif) | Before 1938 | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | Alterations and additions |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | ![Item 1 of 2](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA | 1930 | The RIBA Kalendar 1930-1931 | | London: Royal Institute of British Architects | | ![Item 2 of 2](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA | 1939 | The RIBA Kalendar 1939-1940 | | London: Royal Institute of British Architects | |
Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | ![Item 1 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | Aberdeen Evening Express | 26 January 1953 | | | Obituary | ![Item 2 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine | July 1953 | Volume LVI, No 2 | | p115 - obituary | ![Item 3 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | Aberdeen Press and Journal | 27 January 1953 | | | Obituary | ![Item 4 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | RIAS Quarterly | May 1953 | Summer | Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) | Obituary by A G R Mackenzie, pp 48-49 |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | ![Item 1 of 1](images/table_item.gif) | Robert Gordon's University Archive | Collection of plans, manuscripts etc | | 90 sketches and drawings from c.1884-1900, large photo album dated 1888 and about 60 loose photos, schedule of quantities and specifications for work done by W & J Smith & Kelly 1892-5. |
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