J. Buchanan and Co.

J. BUCHANAN & Co., Coachbuilders, 123 to 145, North Street, Glasgow.

    It is the good fortune of some mercantile and industrial concerns to have cosmopolitan connections, but this is never achieved without the exercise of the greatest energy and the possession of sound business ability. A house conspicuously possessing an administration characterised by exceptional business talent is that of Messrs. J. Buchanan and Co., of 123 to 145, North Street, Glasgow — a firm which has for a period of three-quarters of a century controlled the leading coach-building interest of Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

    The history of the concern dates from the year 1834 ; and from the earliest period its annals have exhibited one unbroken record of high industrial achievements in the interesting departments of industry to which the energies of its chiefs have continuously been directed. Eight years ago the business passed into the hands of Mr. James Alexander, a gentleman who for between 20 and 30 years previous to accepting proprietorial control had, in company with the late Mrs. Henderson, carried on the business of the firm of Messrs. James Henderson and Co., and since carrying on his present business under its original trading designation, Mr. Alexander brings to bear in the management the results of a ripe experience and a thorough mastery of every intricate detail of a not inartistic trade. The premises occupied by the firm comprise a handsome four-storey building of very spacious dimensions, comprising elegantly-appointed showrooms and every accommodation for the conduct of a most extensive trade.

    The class of goods which Messrs. J. Buchanan and Co. supply is of the highest description, and varies from the humblest vehicle that runs on wheels to the most attractive and luxurious carriage that can bear the coronet of its noble owner. In the showrooms at North Street will be found a large and varied assortment of Landaus, Broughams, Waggonettes, Phaetons, etc,, and all descriptions of two-wheeled vehicles. In the manufacture of coaches Mr. Alexander has been instrumental in introducing several important and valuable improvements, notably his “Premier” Brougham and Chapel cart, with the ingeniously contrived shifting seat and door fixtures.

    The merit and general excellence of the firm’s carriages secured the award of the Prize Medal at the Dublin Exhibition in 1865. Mr. Alexander also acted in the capacity of a member of the Executive Committee of the Glasgow Exhibition of 1888, and rendered able and distinctly valuable services in that capacity. His firm were extensive exhibitors on that occasion, and the style and superior finish of the carriages earned golden opinions from the trade journals and Press, and from amongst which we select one example, viz:— “The painting and vanishing also of Messrs. Buchanan and Co.’s exhibits is as near perfection as anything we have ever seen, and is well worth a critical examination”. — The Coachbuilders’, Harnessmakers’, and Saddlers' Art Journal.

    The entire administration of this extensively connected house is in hands well able to sustain in the future the high prestige which many years of well-directed effort and thorough industrial integrity have established Mr. Alexander as one of Glasgow’s most eminent and useful citizens. As a member of the City Council he renders most valuable services to the community, and in every popular movement wherein he engages he brings to bear his soundness of judgment and acquaintance with the resources and needs of the community, which in a public man cannot be too highly estimated.

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