James McKissack
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James McKissack (31 May 1875 – 24 June 1940) was a prominent Scottish architect known for his innovative designs, particularly in cinema architecture during the early 20th century.
Education
[edit]Glasgow born James McKissack initially worked with his father, John McKissack, in the family firm McKissack & Rowan. After the firm dissolved in 1890, James completed his apprenticeship under his father. He also studied at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) from 1890 to 1894,[1] where he refined his skills. The following year McKissack attended the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College to study Architectural and Building Construction under Professor Gomlay A.R.I.B.A. His education and early work with his father set the foundation for his later successes as an architect, particularly in cinema design, continuing his father's practice after his death in 1915.[citation needed]
Career
[edit]James McKissack was a leading Scottish cinema architect during the 1930s, creating buildings that captured the essence of the Art Deco era. Known for his work with clients like George Singleton and Harry Winocour, McKissack designed cinemas such as the Cosmo (Glasgow Film Theatre) and the Mecca Vogue in Possilpark, blending modernist ideas with decorative details. His designs emphasized functional layouts, prominent entrances, and stylized interiors. Though many of his works were later converted or demolished, McKissack’s career left a significant mark on Scotland’s architectural and cinematic history.
Notable Cinemas designed by McKissack
[edit]1910s
- Eglinton Electreum: Opened December 1911 (DEMOLISHED)
- The La Scala: Opened October 1912
- The Picture House, Cowdenbeath: Completed in 1919
1920s
- The La Scala Cinema, Keith Street, Hamilton: Opened in 1921 (DEMOLISHED)
- The Kingsway: Opened May 1929 (DEMOLISHED)
1930s
- Broadway / Odeon, 19 Amulree Street: Opened 25 June 1930 (DEMOLISHED)
- Commodore / Odeon, 1297 Dumbarton Road: Opened January 1933 (DEMOLISHED)
- Mecca (later Vogue Cinema Possilpark):[2] Opened August 1933
- The New Tivoli: Opened January 1934
- Vogue / Odeon, 60 Main Street, Rutherglen: Opened January 1936
- Vogue / Odeon, 146 Strathmartine Road: Opened August 1936 (DEMOLISHED)
- Embassy: Built in 1937 (DEMOLISHED)
- Vogue, 251 Langlands Road / Crossloan Road: Opened 4 July 1938 (DEMOLISHED)
- Riddrie / Vogue, 726 Cumbernauld Road, Riddrie: Opened March 1938
- Glasgow Film Theatre / Cosmo, 12 Rose Street, City Centre: Opened May 1939[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "McKissack, James 1875 - 1940 | AHRnet". architecture.arthistoryresearch.net.
- ^ "Historic Glasgow cinema temporarily saved from demolition". BBC News. 17 January 2024.
- ^ Coe, Oliver (7 December 2023). "Glasgow Film Festival to celebrate 20th birthday". BBC News.