A marble bust of Alexander "Greek" Thomson by John Mossman (1817-1890).
Born in Balfron, Thomson (1817-1875) trained as a lawyer's clerk before becoming an apprentice with the architect Robert Foote. In 1836 he went to work for John Baird I before setting up in partnership with John Baird II in 1849. Seven years later Alexander and his brother George went into business together as A & G Thomson. Their partnership lasted until 1871, during which time Thomson developed his adventurous Neo-Classical style.
Much of Thomson's work in Glasgow has survived. Examples include Holmwood House, the Egyptian Halls in Union Street, St Vincent Street United Presbyterian Church and the tenements in Walmer Crescent. Thomson was a close friend of the Mossmans, and this bust by John Mossman is a fitting tribute to the architect.
Reference: S39
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
A & G Thomson, architects, busts, Egyptian Halls, Holmwood House, sculptures, St Vincent Street United Presbyterian Church