D. and J. McKenzie

D. & J. McKENZIE, Plasterers and Modellers, 191, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow.

    One of the most remarkable features of the present time is the rapid strides which artistic decorative plaster work has taken. It is not so very many years ago that decorative work in the houses of the middle and lower classes was wholly conspicuous by its absence. During the last decade, however, a change has come about, and the artistic sense of the British people has revived. There are many firms engaged in one way or another in catering for the trade which has thus so gradually sprung up.

    One of the foremost and best known establishments engaged in artistic and ornamental work generally is Messrs. D. and J. McKenzie, of 191, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. This house was established in the year 1876 by two brothers, and it has continued up to the present time under their sole control and direction. The premises in St. Vincent Street are commodious and well adapted for the requirements of the business. The warehouse, counting-house, and showroom extend about 60 feet back, with a modelling shop behind ; while the plasterers’ shop is situated below and to the rear of the above-named premises.

    Messrs. McKenzie’s great speciality, and for which they have obtained a reputation of lasting endurance throughout the whole of the United Kingdom, is their canvas fibrous plaster. This material is pre-eminently adapted to all kinds of decorative work. In the first place it is light, very durable, and readily fixed, while another very cogent cause of its superiority lies in the fact that the cost of fixing — particularly for ornamental work — is less than any other material at present in use for decorations. Canvas Fibrous Plaster has even yet another recommendation which will in the eyes of many persons outweigh all others — namely, its fireproof properties. For this reason it is peculiarly suited for public buildings, factories, warehouses, offices, &c., and it can be cast into sections to suit any design, and can be easily fitted up in any part of the world. Indeed, its suitability has been largely recognised by several public and municipal bodies.

    For instance, this material has been extensively used in the public buildings ; while all the principal work in the new Municipal Buildings, George Square, Glasgow, have all been done by Messrs. McKenzie in this style of work, the whole of which have been executed solely by them. Although this is the leading feature with Messrs. McKenzie, they do a good trade in all kinds of artistic plaster and cement work, for which they are always open to furnish estimates at the lowest possible rates. They also undertake modelling to any design, while they also execute ornamental work in Keene’s, Parian, Portland, and Roman cements. Messrs. McKenzie have secured the sole contract for the concrete and cement work of the Municipal Buildings, Coatbridge, the Victoria Infirmary, and Messrs. Arthur & Co.’s Factory, Glasgow. The firm are agents for Messrs. Staton & Co., Burton-on-Trent ; Keene’s and Parian cement and stucco.

    Messrs. McKenzie have a very large connection all over Scotland with architects, builders, painters, decorators, and house furnishers, as well as private families. There is no doubt that their speciality — Canvas Fibrous Plaster — has a great future before it. Its great success is the best proof of its excellence, while the many repeated orders received show indisputably that it has given satisfaction after prolonged use and test.

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