Arthur Forman Balfour Paul

Entrance to Archer's Hall, Edinburgh, by A F Balfour Paul

Arthur Forman Balfour Paul (7 August 1875 – 3 June 1938) (affectionately known as "Baffy" Paul) was a Scottish architect operating largely in the early 20th century. He was one of a type often referred to as “gentleman architect”, architecture being an acceptable role for the aristocratic gentleman.

Life

He was born in Edinburgh on 7 August 1875, the son of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms, an important role in aristocratic Scotland, and of Helen Margaret Forman. He was a second cousin to Robert Louis Stevenson.[1]

He was educated at Edinburgh Academy from 1885 to 1892, then articled (apprenticed) to Sir Robert Rowand Anderson until 1896. He also then studied at the School of Applied Art, the forerunner of Edinburgh College of Art under Frank Worthington Simon and Stewart Henbest Capper.

In 1895 he travelled in Belgium and the Netherlands and in 1897 made a three-month tour of England.

In 1898 he obtained a position in John Belcher’s office in London and studied further at the LCC School of Art. During this period he joined the London Scottish Regiment as a piper. In 1903 he returned to Edinburgh to be Robert Rowand Anderson’s partner.

In 1905 he married Jane Prichard Montgomerie-Fleming.

Partly due to this military background, he joined as an officer during the First World War, serving as a major in the Royal Engineers. He distinguished himself, being award both the Military Cross and Croix de Guerre with Gold Star.

In 1919 he returned to Robert Rowand Anderson, becoming sole partner due to Anderson’s retirement on grounds of ill-health.

In 1931 Basil Spence and William Kininmonth were employed by him, sharing a role as a draughtsman in his office, receiving only one salary between them, but in 1934 both were elevated to partner status, creating Kininmonth, Spence and Paul.[2]

Paul died at his home, Peffermill House in Edinburgh, on 3 June 1938.

Works under Anderson & Paul

Works as Sole Partner

References

  1. ↑ "Overview of Sir James Balfour Paul". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  2. ↑ Dictionary of Scottish Architects: Balfour Paul

External links

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