Lorimer, Sir Robert Stodart, 1864-1929 (Architect)
Biography
The architect Robert Stodart Lorimer, the son of Professor James Lorimer, Edinburgh University, was born in Edinburgh, 4 November 1864. He was raised in a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh's New Town and was educated at Edinburgh Academy and Edinburgh University.
In 1885 he started his career in architecture with the practice of Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in Edinburgh, and he served there for four and a half years. After travelling in England, he entered the London office of G. F. Bodley, R.A., where he remained for eighteen months before returning to Edinburgh.
During his career, Lorimer became interested in the Arts and Crafts Movement and in Scottish Vernacular architecture. These interests led Lorimer to undertake the Thistle Chapel in the High Kirk of St. Giles, Edinburgh, in 1909 (the chapel of the Knights of the Thistle). Over the years he also remodelled suburban villas and built cottages in various parts of the city. Another major project was the Scottish National War Memorial within Edinburgh Castle. He also created similar memorials in Italy, Egypt and in Greece. Towards the end of his career he restored Paisley Abbey. Sir Robert Lorimer died in 1929.
He married Violet Alicia Wyld (1875-1940) in 1903. The couple had four children: Christopher Lorimer (1904-1991), Hew Lorimer (1907-1993), Daphne Lorimer (1907-1974), and Michael Lorimer (1912-1991).
Found in 11 Collections and/or Records:
Incomplete letter from Hannah Stodart to "Louisa" [likely] Caroline Louise Lorimer, 19 July 1891
Incomplete letter in English from Hannah Stodart to "Louisa" [likely] that is to say Caroline Louise Lorimer on the subject of "Robbie" (Robert Stodart Lorimer) starting as an architect bringing 12 sheets of drawing to a meeting, "It has been a great pleasure having Robbie here off and on (more off than on alas!)", dated 19 July 1891.
Letter from "Louise" (Caroline Louise Lorimer) to "Dear Old Ruf" likely Robert Stodart Lorimer, February 1890
Letter in English from "Louise" (Caroline Louise Lorimer) to "Dear Old Ruf" [likely] Robert Stodart Lorimer on the subject of the passing of their father, "Pater" (James Lorimer Sr.) with sympathies because he is "far away", naming various individuals who gave the family their sympathies, dated February 1890.
Letter from Robert Stodart Lorimer "RSL" to "Dearest Polly" (Janet Alice Chalmers (née Lorimer)), 15 October 1879
Letter in English from Robert Stodart Lorimer "RSL" to Janet Alice Chalmers (née Lorimer) "Dearest Polly" on the subject of wishing Janet Alice a happy birthday, dated 15 October 1879.
Letter from "RR Stodart" (Robert Stodart Lorimer[?]) to "My Dear Alice" (Janet Alice Chalmers (née Lorimer)), 20 April 1879
Letter in English Letter from "RR Stodart" Robert Stodart Lorimer[?] to "My Dear Alice" Janet Alice Chalmers (née Lorimer) on the subject of welcoming Janet Alice to her new residence, dated 20 April 1879.
Letter from RSL (Robert Stodart Lorimer) to "Dearest Mistress im T" (Hannah Cassels im Thurn (née Lorimer)), 20 September 1897
Letter in English from "RSL" (Robert Stodart Lorimer) to "Dearest Mistress im T (Hannah Cassels im Thurn (née Lorimer)) on the subject of the dedication of the chapel, dated 20 September 1897.
Letter from RSL (Robert Stodart Lorimer) to "Dearest one", 25 September 1899
Letter in English from "RSL" (Robert Stodart Lorimer) on the subject of a tour to Brussels, dated 25 September 1899.
Letter from RSL (Robert Stodart Lorimer) to "DM" (possibly Dear Mother, Hannah Stodart), 1893
Letter in English from "RSL" (Robert Stodart Lorimer) to "D.M" (possibly Hannah Stodart) on the subject of poor weather, believed to be dated 1893.
Letter from "RSL" (Robert Stodart Lorimer) to "My dear Mistress im T" (Hannah Cassels im Thurn (née Lorimer)), 22 August 1896
Letter in English from "RSL" (Robert Stodart Lorimer) to "My dear Mistress im T" (Hannah Cassels im Thurn (née Lorimer)) on the subject of Oxford, includes a sketch of a table, house and the back of a gentleman, dated 22 August 1896.
Papers of Sir Robert Stodart Lorimer
Photograph of the Dowden Memorial, designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, c 1910
One photograph of the Dowden Memorial, modelled by Louis R. Deuchars and designed by Sir Robert Lorimer. It is now in St Mary's Cathedral.