R & R Dickson

Richard and Robert Dickson (usually simply referred to as R & R Dickson) were brothers, acting as architects in Scotland in the early and mid-19th century. Whilst most of their work is typified by remote country houses they are best known for their magnificent spire on the Tron Kirk in the heart of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile.[1]

The magnificent stone spire of Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh by R & R Dickson

Life

They were the sons of John Dickson (1766–1828), an Edinburgh builder. Their mother was Mary Crichton, sister to Richard Crichton (1771–1817), an Edinburgh architect, and they appear to have trained under him, taking over his office upon his death.[2]

Their offices were at 9 Blenheim Place near the top of Leith Walk a handsome and unusual building forming part of a terrace designed by Playfair and built by their own father in 1824. It is possible that the unit was in lieu of payment for this stylish row, characterised by its being the only flat roofed Georgian terraced "bungalows" (with basement for servants) in Edinburgh.[3]

They designed in a variety of styles from Gothic to Classical. There buildings are both sound and attractive and most are now listed buildings.

Richard (1792–1857) was the older of the two. He is buried in Old Calton Cemetery with his parents.[2]

Works

See[2][4]

Cockpen Parish Church, 1817
Kilconquhar Parish Church, 1819
the original Bathgate Academy, 1833
R & R Dickson's office at Blenheim Place, Edinburgh

References
  1. Buildings of Scotland :Edinburgh by Gifford McWilliam and Walker
  2. Dictionary of Scottish Architects: Dickson
  3. "(87) - Scottish Post Office Directories > Towns > Edinburgh > 1805-1834 - Post Office annual directory > 1832-1833 - Scottish Directories - National Library of Scotland". Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  4. Buildings of Scotland : Edinburgh by Gifford McWilliam and Walker
  • A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, H M Colvin
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