Dictionary of Scottish Architects: A Comprehensive Digital Archive

Dictionary of Scottish Architects: A Comprehensive Digital Archive

For historians, researchers, and architecture enthusiasts, tracking the evolution of Scotland's built environment requires precise data. The Dictionary of Scottish Architects serves as the definitive online resource for this purpose, offering a detailed biographical and professional record of the individuals who shaped the Scottish landscape.

What is the Dictionary of Scottish Architects?

Launched in 2006, the Dictionary of Scottish Architects is a publicly available online database. It provides extensive biographical information and a comprehensive list of works for architects known to have practiced in Scotland between 1660 and 1980. This vast digital repository allows users to trace the careers of architects across three centuries of design and construction.

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Development and Management

The database was originally compiled by a dedicated team under the leadership of Professor David Walker, who currently serves as an Emeritus Professor in the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews. His academic leadership ensured that the collection met rigorous historical standards.

Today, the resource is managed and fully funded by Historic Environment Scotland, ensuring that the database remains free of charge and accessible to the general public.

Scope of the Database

The database follows specific criteria to maintain its focus on the Scottish architectural heritage. While it is exhaustive in some areas, it applies a geographic filter to others:

  • Scotland-based architects: The database includes all known works, regardless of where the project was located.
  • English and Irish architects: Only the works they completed within Scotland are listed.
Overview of the Dictionary of Scottish Architects
Feature Details
Time Period Covered 1660 – 1980
Launch Year 2006
Current Manager Historic Environment Scotland
Cost to Access Free
Original Lead Professor David Walker (University of St Andrews)

Key Facts

  • Covers architects active in Scotland from 1660 to 1980.
  • Provides both biographical data and a list of completed works.
  • Managed and funded by Historic Environment Scotland.
  • Available to the public free of charge.
  • Includes all works by Scotland-based architects, but only Scottish works for those from England or Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can access the Dictionary of Scottish Architects?

The database is publicly available and free of charge for anyone wishing to use it.

What time period does the database cover?

It documents architects known to have worked in Scotland between the years 1660 and 1980.

Are architects from outside Scotland included?

Yes, English and Irish architects are included, but the database only lists the specific works they produced within Scotland.

Who was responsible for the initial compilation of the data?

The database was compiled by a team led by Professor David Walker of the University of St Andrews.

Who currently funds the database?

Historic Environment Scotland provides full funding and management for the resource.

References

  1. "The Dictionary of Scottish Architects". Scottish Centre for Conservation Studies. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  2. "A Dictionary of Scottish Architects 1840–1980". School of Art History: Research: Featured Projects. University of St Andrews. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
  3. "Research Impact@St Andrews". University of St Andrews. February 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  4. "Welcome to the Dictionary of Scottish Architects". Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
  5. McCrone, Elizabeth (1 August 2013). "'Listing is not about saving', says Historic Scotland's head of listing". Architects' Journal. Retrieved 14 December 2018.