Walter Macfarlane (1817-1885) was an ironmaster and councillor 1864-1867.
Macfarlane was born in Torrance and worked for a jeweller in Glasgow before becoming an apprentice blacksmith. He became a foreman in a foundry and in 1850 formed a partnership to open the Saracen Foundry in Saracen Lane, Gallowgate. The works moved to Washington Street and then to Possil Park in 1869 when Macfarlane purchased the estate from the executors of Sir Archibald Allison. The works produced vast quantities of fountains, bandstands, railings and other ornamental ironwork, much of which was exported. The business was inherited by Macfarlane's son Walter Jnr (1853-1932).
Macfarlane was a founder member of the Glasgow Liberal Association. The Bailie described him in 1876 as "crotchety and impracticable”.
Reference: Mitchell Library, 920.04BAI
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
councillors, Glasgow Liberal Association, iron founders, Liberal Party, ornamental ironwork, Saracen Foundry, Walter Macfarlane & Co
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