write a biography of Alexander Thomson Scott with references
Alexander Thomson Scott (1887-1962) was a prominent Scottish architect and artist, known for his contributions to both fields. Born on August 31, 1887, Scott was educated at Stirling High School from 1903 to 1905 before attending the Glasgow School of Architecture and Royal Technical College, where he studied under notable figures like Eugène Bourdon, Alexander McGibbon, and Charles Gourlay.
During his early career, Scott worked in the office of Alexander Nisbet Paterson from 1906 to 1908. After receiving his diploma in 1911, he traveled extensively in Italy, further enriching his architectural knowledge. In 1912, he moved to London to join the practice of James Miller, and shortly thereafter, he worked with the renowned landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson on urban planning projects in Athens, Calgary, and Banff.
With the outbreak of World War I, Scott's career was interrupted by military service. Upon his return in 1918, he rejoined Sir Herbert Baker's practice, eventually becoming chief assistant in 1922. Scott's partnership with Baker officially formed in 1929, and their firm, Sir Herbert Baker & A T Scott, became well-known for its significant architectural projects, including government buildings in Delhi and bank buildings in South Africa.
In addition to his architectural pursuits, Scott was also a distinguished artist, specializing in etching and painting the Scottish Highlands. His artworks were exhibited widely at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy from 1906 onwards. His contributions to British art have been documented in several reference works, including "Artists in Britain Since 1945" and "A Dictionary of British Artists, 1929."
Scott's architectural and artistic legacies are remembered for their impact on both the urban landscapes he helped shape and the artistic communities he influenced through his exhibitions and etchings.
References:
- Glasgow School of Art Archives & Collections: Alexander Thomson Scott (GSA Archives & Collections)
- The Saturday Gallery: Alexander P. Thomson, Artist and Etcher (The Saturday Gallery)
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