John Lessels
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John Lessels (9 January 1809 – 12 November 1883) was a Scottish architect and artist, active in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders (particularly in the former county of Berwickshire). [1]
Life
He was born and educated in
Among his pupils were David MacGibbon (1831–1902) and Robert Rowand Anderson (1834–1921). Lessels was a keen photographer, and was president of the Edinburgh Photographic Society for several years. He also regularly exhibited oil and watercolour paintings at the Royal Scottish Academy.[1]
He was a prominent
He is buried in Dean Cemetery. The grave lies in the first northern extension in a north-west section, set back but visible from the main east-west path. His monument is in the form of an unusual sundial and states, wrongly, his date of birth as 1808. It formerly bore his portrait on a photographic glazed tile.[1]
Family life
John's first wife, Mary Henderson (26 June 1808 – 2 January 1858) bore him four daughters and four sons. His second wife was Gertrude A. H. Neffkins (d. 13 May 1884).
His first son, also John (1833–1914),[3] partnered his father with a branch office in Perth. His second son, James (c.1834–c1905?),[4] partnered and succeeded his father, finishing some schemes (such as Royal Crescent) following his father's death.[5]
List of Works
Lessels was a prolific tenement designer over and above his individual "landmark" buildings. His works include:[1]
- Stobo Castle, Peebleshire (1849)
- Melville Crescent, in the centre of Melville Street, Edinburgh (1855)
- Victoria Primary School, Newhaven, Edinburgh (1861)
- Chester Street, Edinburgh (1862)
- 1–7 Coates Place, Edinburgh (1864)
- St. Mary Street and Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh (1866)
- 1-14 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh (1874-1882) [6]
- 4–24, 48–58 Manor Place, Edinburgh (1866–1892)
- 15–32 West Maitland Street, Edinburgh (1864)
- 3–21 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh (1870)
- Replacement Trinity College Church on Jeffrey Street with a hall (Trinity Apse) attached to rear on Chalmers Close built from stones from original kirk (1877)
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g "John Lessels & Son". Dictionary of Scottish Architects 1660-1980. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Edinburgh Post Office Directory
- ^ "John Lessels (junior)". Dictionary of Scottish Architects 1660-1980. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "James Lessels". Dictionary of Scottish Architects 1660-1980. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Buildings of Scotland: Edinburgh, by Gifford McWilliam and Walker
- ^ "Drumsheugh Gardens 1-14". Historic Environment Scotland.
References
- Cruft, Kitty; Dunbar, John; Fawcett, Richard (2006). Borders. ISBN 0-300-10702-1.