Allan Dreghorn
Allan Dreghorn (1706–1764) was an 18th century Scottish architect largely associated with Glasgow
Life[edit]
He was born in Glasgow the son of Robert Dreghorn of Ruchill and his wife Margaret Dickie.[1]
He was involved in several fields: including the family coach-building business and a partner in the Smithfield Ironworks and he owned a timber yard on Clyde Street. From 1742 to 1756 he ran the company Allan Dreghorn & Co. In later years he moved to building projects, proving himself a very capable architect.[2]
He was city Treasurer from 1739 and was elected a Bailie in 1741. He was said to be the first non-aristocratic person to have their own four-wheeled carriage in Glasgow (presumably self-built).[3]
His architectural work embraced sculpture by Mungo Naismith and David Cation and the plasterer Thomas Clayton.[4]
In 1745 Dreghorn was one of the negotiators alongside Provost Andrew Cochrane who agreed the sum to be paid to the Jacobite army to save the city from plunder.[5]
In 1750 he was joint founder of the Old Ship Bank. In the same year he was involved in the public roup for the Glasgow ship "Bess".[6]
In 1752 using the profits from his success he built his own house on Great Clyde Street.[7]
He died at his country estate of Ruchill House in October 1768.[8]
Family[edit]
He married Isobella Bryson (1716-1786) daughter of John Bryson of Craigallan.They had three daughters and one son.[9]
Their son (or perhaps nephew), Robert Dreghorn (nicknamed "Bob Dragon" 1748-1806), was a well-known Glasgow character whose looks led him to be used as a threat to children: "Bob Dragon will get you". Bob was disfigured by smallpox at a young age and was heavily pock-marked with one eye missing and a crooked nose. He hanged himself in 1806 at the Dreghorn mansion.[10]
Works attributed to Dreghorn[edit]
- Glasgow University Library (1732)
- Old Glasgow Town Hall at Trongate (1736) demolished 1911
- Pollok House (1747)
- St Andrews-in-the-Fields, central Glasgow
Artistic recognition[edit]
In 1994 a medallion head of Dreghorn by sculptor Alexander Stoddart was added on the building at 178-182 Ingram Street.
Trivia[edit]
The grounds of Ruchill House now form Ruchill Park.
References[edit]
- ^ "Allan Dreghorn".
- ^ "Allan Dreghorn (1706-64), architect, a biography".
- ^ Glasgow Past and Present by Senex 1886
- ^ Mapping Glasgow Sculpture.
- ^ Glasgow Past and Present by Senex 1886
- ^ "Dictionary of Scottish Architects - DSA Architect Biography Report (February 25, 2022, 5:57 pm)".
- ^ Glasgow Past and Present by Senex 1886
- ^ "Dictionary of Scottish Architects - DSA Architect Biography Report (February 25, 2022, 5:57 pm)".
- ^ "Isabella Dreghorn".
- ^ Preface notes on the reprinted Jones Directory of Glasgow 1797