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Houston, James
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James Houston was born 22nd June 1893. He was the youngest son of James Houston JP and the younger brother of the landscape painter Robert Houston (1891-1942) and a relative of George Houston (1869-1847) both of whom studied at The Glasgow School of Art. James Houston attended The Glasgow School of Art. James Houston was educated at Spiers School, Beith and was an apprentice architect with Fryers & Penman of Largs from 1909 – 1913. Houston then attended The Glasgow School of Art from 1913-1917 after completing his apprenticeship, studying under Professor Eugene Bourdon and Professor Charles Gourlay. Houston excelled as a student at The Glasgow School of Art winning many awards, scholarships and bronze, silver and gold medals for each year of his attendance. Houston was presented with his senior course certificate in October 1917 and received his diploma from the school in 1921. Houston also assisted Professor Charles Gourlay towards the completion of his studies in the illustration of his book, 'The Italian Order of Architecture, 'a practical book for the use of architects and craftsmen, consisting of letterpress, with thirty-two plates based on the orders of Vignola, Palladio, Gibbs, Chambers, and other masters' (1916).
Following his studies at The Glasgow School of Art, James Houston undertook three year in The Royal Navy from 1916 -1919.
In 1919, Houston, arranged by his previous Professor Charles Gourlay, took up the position of chief assistant and lecturer at The Royal Technical college. Houston began his own practice in 1920 in Kilbirnie and early in the same year was admitted ARIBA under the war exemption scheme with his proposers being Thomas Lennox Watson, Alexander Nisbet Paterson and John Watson. In the early years of Houston's practice, he was assisted by Hugh Macdonald who remained in the firm for two decades and Gavin Mclure who was killed in WW2. The firm was well known for their modernist cinema and entertainment building design.
Some of Houston's best known works include the Radio City Cinema which opened in 1937, an example of 'theme' architecture, a genre associated with thirties cinemas. The cinema was built for and operated by Bridgend Picture House Ltd. The cinema was taken over by George Palmer circuit and was renamed George Cinema in 1959 but closed in the late 60s. The cinema was then converted into a bingo club, named George Bingo Club which operated until 1995. Houston's building was then left empty until it was restored and re-opened as a community centre and gym. On 19th April 2000, Historic Scotland designated the Radio City Cinema a Grade C(s) Listed building. Radio City Cinema is also Houston's last surviving cinema building.
During WW2, Houston reenlisted now with the royal Engineers, being commissioned with the role of Captain. At the end of the war, Houston remained the sole partner of the firm until his son John B G Houston joined the partnership. At some point the partnership moved to 2 School Wynd Kilbirnie.
As well as his architectural practice, Houston also exhibited painting at the Royal Scottish Academy on two occasions. The first in 1938 whilst living at the address Whitehurst Kilbirnie Ayrshire and a second time in 1961 now living at 22 School Wynd Kilbirnie Ayrshire.
Houston died on 6th September 1966 at the age of 73. His son John continued the practice from 1976 with William Macdonald Dunlop.
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