Patrick Wilson (architect)


Patrick Wilson was a Scottish architect with a long career spanning across the 19th century from the Georgian aesthetic to the Victorian. He was a strong advocate of purpose-built housing for the poor working closely with the Rev. Thomas Chalmers. Most of his works are in Edinburgh, the most notable of which is the first ever colony style housing in the city, the Shaw Colonies, a very innovative building form.

Life

He was the son of Robert Wilson, cabinetmaker in Edinburgh. He married Catherine Peddie, daughter of the founding secretary of the Standard Life Assurance company, Edinburgh. She was a cousin of the architect John Dick Peddie. Their son Robert Wilson followed in his father’s footsteps and also became an architect. Patrick’s wife died in 1843 when their son was only eight. Patrick remarried to Jane Milne.
Patrick had a practice at 2 Queen Street which Robert inherited on his death.
Patrick is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, just south of the church, with his wife, Catherine Peddie.

Principal works