Renfrewshire has over 560 listed buildings and monuments. Many of these were constructed during the Victorian period and in the years up to the second world war.

Many of these listed buildings were designed by the architects already discussed in the other pages whilst others were the result of architects brought in from other areas of Scotland and beyond.

Other notable Paisley architects worthy of a mention include James Craig Barr, Harry Cook, Andrew Hamilton, John Albert Rennison and Andrew Robb Scott.

James Craig Barr and Harry Cook met whilst apprenticed to TG Abercrombie. In 1904 they went into partnership as Barr & Cook. 

Together they were responsible for buildings such as Makerston House on Park Road, The Hugh Smiley Day Nursery in Storie Street and  the North of Scotland And Town & County Bank in Gilmour Street, (photo, left), The Trust Inn in Kilbarchan as well as a number of Villas in Thornly Park and Castlehead.

The Partnership was dissolved in 1918 and Harry Cook then teamed up with Andrew Hamilton to form Cook & Hamilton and together they designed amongst many, the New Templar Halls in the Sneddon, Airdoch in Thornly Park and Lochfield Primary School.

In 1874 John Albert Rennison took into partnership Andrew Robb Scott to form Rennison & Scott and within a year they had won the prestigious competition for the design of Paisley Town Hall. However, the family of George A Clark who were funding the project decided against the design and eventually hired the firm of William Henry Lynn from Belfast to design the Town Hall that we know and love. The partnership did design one notable Paisley building, that of the Good Templar Halls in 1881.

 In 1910 James Donald converted the main hall into a cinema - The Royal Animated Picture House. This cinema was later to be renamed the Glen Cinema, and was the scene of one of Paisley’s worst tragedies on 31st December 1929 when 71 children lost their lives.

Some of the most iconic of Paisley’s buildings were designed by architects outwith the town. As stated previously, the firm of WH Lynn designed the Clark Town Hall, whilst John Honeyman designed the Museum and Library as well the City of Glasgow Bank at the Cross, Coats Observatory in Oakshaw and Offices and dwellings at 9 Gilmour Street.

Another famous architect, Hippolyte Blanc designed St James Church in Underwood Road and the Thomas Coats Memorial Church on High Street.

There are probably many more architects that have helped shape the streets of Paisley and to them I say  “Thank You.” If you are aware of anyy more architects you think deserve a mention please contact me - john@paisleyonline.com

Rennison & Scott Town Hall Design

© paisleyonline.co.uk 2012