Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hamilton, David (1768-1843)
HAMILTON, DAVID (1768–1843), architect, born in Glasgow 11 May 1768, was during the early part of the century the designer of most of the principal buildings in the west of Scotland. In Glasgow he was architect of the theatre (1804), the Western Clubhouse, several of the leading banks and churches built during that period, and the Royal Exchange (1837–40). Hamilton's greatest work was the palace built for the Duke of Hamilton in Lanarkshire, remarkable no less for its extent than for its dignity and graceful proportion, its façade, and its magnificent portico. Other successful undertakings of his were Toward Castle, Lennox Castle—which some critics have pronounced the most finished of his architectural efforts—and Dunlop House, a beautiful specimen of what is termed ‘the Scottish manorial style.’ He obtained the 500l. prize from the government for his design of the new houses of parliament when that of Sir Charles Barry was preferred. Hamilton's contemporaries speak of his ‘singular amiability and modesty’ and ‘the vivacity of his conversation,’ as well as of his love of art and his educated classical taste. He died, after an attack of paralysis, at Glasgow, 5 Dec. 1843.
[Builder, 16 Dec. 1843; Glasgow Citizen, 9 Dec. 1843; Chambers's Eminent Scotsmen; Irving's Book of Scotsmen.]