The Enigma of Sir John James Burnet

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Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, discusses the career and buildings of Glasgow's third Architect, Sir John James Burnet.

About The Enigma of Sir John James Burnet

Listed Under Talks and Lectures Events / History Events

Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, discusses the career and buildings of Glasgow’s third Architect, including the expansion and redevelopment of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Sir John James Burnet’s talent was as great as Thomson and Mackintosh, while his career was even more stellar in achievement, and yet he is now little known, the most mysterious of the great Glasgow architects. Has Burnet’s ability as stylistic chameleon contributed to this overshadowing?

Niall's talk will take place in our magnificent College Hall, designed by Burnet in 1892 and opened the following year in 1893. As part of the event there will also be the unique opportunity to view his seldom seen original architectural plans drawn up for the redevelopment of the College.

Drinks will be served in the Hall before the talk.

Part of Glasgow Blythswood Festival 2025

About our speaker: Niall Murphy is Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust and co-chair of Glasgow Built Heritage Commission. Though originally from Hong Kong, Niall has 25 years of experience as an architect and is deeply involved in heritage, conservation, and community issues in Glasgow.

Niall is currently the Chair of the Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust and served for a decade on the Glasgow Urban Design Panel. In 2016 he helped secure funding for the ‘Make Your Mark’ East Pollokshields and Port Eglinton Charrette, the first community led charrette in Glasgow. Between 2016 – 2018 he was a member of the Development Management Working Group for the Scottish Government’s Planning Review

Niall has won the Glasgow Doors Open Day Outstanding Talk Award (2023), Excellence Award for Inspiring City Tour (2017), the Glasgow Doors Open Day Above and Beyond Award (2014), the Sir Robert Lorimer Award for Sketching (1996) and, in addition to nominations for Saltire Awards and GIA Awards was nominated for the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Award for Civic Champion in 2015. Niall regularly lectures on architecture, heritage and urban design issues.

This special event is open to everyone – members of the public - as well as College Fellows and Members.

Attendance is free although we would welcome a suggested donation between £5- £15 to help with our costs.

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