Robert Murdoch

ROBERT MURDOCH, Mason and Builder, 19-21, Commerce Street, S.S., Glasgow.

    Those who visit Glasgow for the first time will acknowledge that the most striking impression they experience is the sense of grandeur in the proportions of the buildings of the city, and the numerous features of architectural and structural excellence which her many noble thoroughfares present ; heightened by the liberal employment of stone as the material for construction. Another important factor in the attainment of this gratifying result is that the city holds an indisputably larger proportion of first-class building firms capable of the construction of buildings of magnitude than any community of its class in the kingdom, amongst whom we single out, as illustrative of our subject, Mr. Robert Murdoch, Mason and Builder, Commerce Street, as thoroughly representative of this important branch of industrial art.

    The business conducted by this gentleman is of old and substantial standing, having been established by him in 1863, and during this extended period has been greatly developed and increased to its present successful proportions. The premises occupied by Mr. Murdoch comprise well-appointed suite of offices and extensive stores in Commerce Street and spacious builder’s yard in Canal Street. The latter is of commodious dimensions, and conveniently arranged for the operatic departments, being directly connected with the railway, a siding enabling the Company to place the heavy materials, stone, bricks, etc., required in the business at once on the ground. Extensive masons’ sheds are provided in the works for the convenience of the numerous workmen engaged in preparing stone work for use in the construction of the buildings in course of erection by the proprietor in all parts of the city, and an immense stock of every description of material is kept in hand for this purpose. A staff of experienced workmen, varying in number, according to the contracts in hand, from 100 to 250, is employed in the business, which is admirably conducted under the personal direction of the principal, whose thoroughly practical knowledge of every detail of the trade supplies an ample guarantee for perfection of order, system, and regularity in the management department.

    It would be impossible, within the limits of our space, to attempt to enumerate the many notable architectural features in the city and surrounding districts which owe much of their excellence of construction to Mr. Murdoch’s ability and skill, and it must suffice to mention that this gentleman’s long connection with the trade has been associated with the erection of many of the principal public and private buildings in the locality. In conclusion, we may add that Mr. Murdoch is widely known in the district, and takes a very active interest in all matters affecting the well-being of the community, and as an honoured manager of the Govan Parochial Board, and Chairman of the Lunacy Board for that District, he has done good service to his fellow-citizens, and has gained a well-deserved eminence in the estimation of all classes of the ratepayers.

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