James Craig (architect)

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James Craig (born October 31, 1739 Edinburgh ( Scotland ); † June 23, 1795 ibid) was a builder and architect as well as the planner of the New Town of Edinburgh, which is a World Heritage Site .

Life

Born as the son of William Craig, merchant and dean of the Edinburgh Guild, and Mary Thomson, who was a sister of the poet James Thomson (1700–1748), James Craig attended George Watson's College between 1748 and 1755. Since mainly the sons of "deceased and needy traders" were brought up here, one can assume that James' parents did not exactly live in prosperity. After school he did an apprenticeship with the builder Patrick Jamiesion. Nine years later he was accepted as a full member of the Guild of Builders (Incorporation St. Mary's Chapal Edinburgh).

Craig's grave in Edinburgh

During this time, James Craig does not make a particularly strong impression as a builder and architect. However, his 1863 design for the new Edinburgh North Bridge, which is still preserved today, was implemented a few years later by William Mylne.

James Craig's architectural achievement that would make him world famous was the planning of Edinburgh's New Town. In a competition in 1766, he received first prize, a gold medal and the Freedom of the City award for his designs . His designs were given to King George III in 1767 . after being modified several times by a committee that included John Adam and William Mylne.

His basic idea of ​​three parallel main streets ( Princes Street , George Street, Queen Street), bounded by St. Andrew's Square on the one hand and Charlotte Square on the other, was retained and still shapes the image of the New Town today. James Craig only made the plans and was only marginally involved in the design and construction of new buildings in this area. An important architect who also influenced Edinburgh classicism was John Adam.

Despite intensive efforts, he was never able to build on his success with urban planning in Edinburgh. He died impoverished, sick and embittered in his hometown and was buried in the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery, also known for the dog Greyfriars Bobby .

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personal data
SURNAME Craig, James
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Scottish architect and town planner
DATE OF BIRTH October 31, 1739
PLACE OF BIRTH Edinburgh
DATE OF DEATH June 23, 1795
Place of death Edinburgh