David RhindFRSE (1808 – 26 April 1883) was a prominentScottish architect, mainly remembered for his public buildings, banks, churches and schools, most of which are nowlisted buildings.
Rhind was born at 15 Gayfield Place inEdinburgh in 1808, the son of John Rhind.[1] His father at the time of his birth is listed as a "writer" (a standard Scots term for a lawyer) but later became a cashier to theEdinburgh Friendly Insurance Company). His wife, David's mother, was named Marion Anderson. David Rhind was married twice: firstly to Emily Shoubridge in 1840; then to Mary Jane Sackville-Pearson in 1845. He lived until 1883 and was survived by eight of his children.
He is believed to have trained in the London drawing office ofAugustus Charles Pugin and was a friend ofCharles Barry.[2] His practice began in Edinburgh, but examples of his work were constructed all over Scotland.
David worked in conjunction withAlexander Handyside Ritchie who executed much of the sculptural work on his buildings.
David Rhind's work included many branches of theCommercial Bank of Scotland, including their headquarters onGeorge Street, Edinburgh, which is nowThe Dome bar and restaurant.[3] Other buildings for the Commercial Bank, now part of theRoyal Bank of Scotland, were constructed as far apart asThurso andJedburgh. He also designed a number of churches, local government buildings, schools, offices and private residences such as Carlowrie Castle. One of his grandest schemes was Daniel Stewart's Hospital (1848-1870, then Daniel Stewart's College 1870-1972) nowStewart's Melville College, Edinburgh. He employedNeo-Classical andBaronial styles (amongst others) during his work.
In 1849, Rhind was commissioned bySir John Maxwell, 8th Baronet, to design the lay-out of thePollokshields area ofGlasgow, in what until then had been farmland 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the city centre.
He spent most of his working life (plus living with his family until retiral in 1877) at 54 Great King Street in theSecond New Town of Edinburgh.[4]
He was responsible for trainingJohn Dick Peddie,Robert Morham, James W Smith,Hippolyte Blanc,John Russell Walker andJames McGlashen Ross.
He is buried with his family, including his wife Mary Jane Sackville Pearson (1825–1892) inSt Cuthberts Churchyard inEdinburgh under the shadow ofEdinburgh Castle. The grave lies on the south wall of the first south section, south of the church, backing onto the railway line. The monument is one of the most modest in its row. David's name is listed low on the stone, and easily missed.
Rhind was a Scottish Freemason. He was Initiated in Lodge Canongate Kilwinning, No. 2, on 28 November 1835.[5]
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