Alexander Skirving (d 1919), architect.
Skirving was educated in Glasgow and London before serving his apprenticeship as an architect with the firm of A & G Thomson. One of the partners, Alexander "Greek" Thomson was a great influence on Skirving's work. This can be seen particularly in the case of Langside Hill Free Church, with its large classical pillars. The former Scottish Legal Life Assurance Offices (1884) in Wilson Street display the incised Greek and Roman carving which Skirving often employed in his designs for private suburban houses.
Battlefield Memorial, which commemorates the Battle of Langside, is Skirving's best known work. His design was voted best in a fiercely contested competition. It is 16 metres high and was said to have been a labour of love for which he declined a fee.
Reference: GC f920.04 GLA
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
A & G Thomson, architects, Battle of Langside, Battlefield Memorial, Langside Hill Free Church, monuments, Rosebery Burns Club, Scottish Legal Life Assurance