Elected ARSA: 20 March 1929
John Watson was born in Glasgow in 1873. On completion of his schooling, he began a five-year apprenticeship at an architect's office in the city, attending evening classes at the School of Art and the Royal Technical College at the same time.
At 21, he moved to London where he entered a second term of Articles with a London firm accompanied by attendance at the Royal Academy Schools, followed by four or five months of study in Italy.
In 1900, he returned to Glasgow and commenced practice. The firm was successful and won numerous competitions for public buildings including the Wesleyan Methodist Central Halls in Paisley and the extension of the Glasgow City Chambers.
He was elected ARSA in 1929 and was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects by examination in 1912.
