Paisley Architects – James Donald

Paisley Architects – James Donald (Part 7 of 7)

We’ve come to the final post in the Paisley Architects series.  This week’s focus is on James Donald.

Records indicate Donald was born in 1852 just outside Paisley, but the details are unclear as to exactly where.  He trained with Alexander ‘Greek’ Thompson, this influence can be seen in Donald’s work, before setting up his own practice in 1881 at 22 Caledonia Street, Paisley.   Becoming a member of the Liberal Party afforded him the luxury of being commissioned to design the Liberal Club in 1886, which was the first building to be designed by James Donald within Paisley.  Donald made it his priority to design and build his own home early on and this building still stands today as a private residential home.

Some of his well known work included:

Liberal Club

Dunraven, 19 Arkleston Road. Donald’s family home while he lived in Paisley.

6 Hunterhill Road

8 Hunterhill Road

10 and 12 Hunterhill Road

7 Riccartsbar Ave

11 Riccartsbar Ave

20 Smithhill Street

30-38 Broomlands Road

71-81 Causeyside Street

83 Neilston Road

Abercorn Bowling Club

Dunn Square.  Comprises of 8 paths all leading to the Queen Victoria Statue in the centre.  This runs along the water across from the Town Hall and is lined with cherry trees which bloom every spring.

33 Gauze Street

86 Glasgow Road

Sherwood Church, Glasgow Road

70 Causeyside Street

4 Glasgow Road

11 Orchard Street

Upon retirement in 1914, he moved to 30 Robertson Street, Greenock where he spent the remainder of his days there until his death in 9th April 1917.

If you have any questions or comments about any of the properties featured in this post, let us know in the comments below.