Robert Gordon Wilson (architect)

He was born in New Pitsligo in 1844 the son of John Wilson, a master builder, and his wife, Eliza Gordon. He was articled (apprenticed) to Alexander Ellis (1830-1917), an architect-builder, in Aberdeen in 1859. Around 1866 he was placed in the office of Alexander Thomson (1817-1875), a well-known architect, later nicknamed "Greek Thomson". Thomson's style is evidenced in Wilson's work. In 1869 he returned to Ellis as a junior partner, with offices at 13 Belmont Street in Aberdeen.[2]

Ellis retired in 1896 leaving Wilson as sole partner until 1906 when he was joined by his namesake son (1877-1939). He retired in 1915 leaving his son in charge.

Wilson served on Aberdeen Town Council 1914 to 1924. He was Chairman of the Plans Committee (overseeing Planning and Building Control matters). He was Chairman of the Rubislaw Granite Company, Chairman of Kilgour and Walker, and Director of Richards. His unpaid roles included Chairman of the Aberdeen Royal Asylum and the Aberdeen University Press. He was a Trustee of the Aberdeen Savings Bank.[3]

He died on 28 July 1931. His son is buried in Springbank Cemetery, Aberdeen but it is unclear if they are buried together.[4]

He married in December 1875. The following year both the partners and the joint families built a small terrace at Springbank Terrace in Aberdeen: the Wilson's lived at no 60.

His entire career focused upon churches. Even during his time with Alexander Thomson his had can be seen in several works, and his church connection seems to have led to him getting to work on the UP Church schemes.