The Architect - Sydney Mitchell

At the tender age of 27 Sydney Mitchell started architectural practice from offices at 122 George Street in Edinburgh.

His father was Chairman of the Scottish Life Assurance Company and perhaps this gave Sydney Mitchell contact with wealthy clients, aiding his rapid rise as an architect. One of the most significant was John R Findlay, proprietor of 'The Scotsman'. Findlay employed Mitchell for his first commissions in 1883, including alterations to Findlay's own house at 3 Rothesay Terrace and Well Court in the Dean Village.

In 1885 he was commissioned to  restore  the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh, a high profile commission for a relatively young and inexperienced architect. Other Edinburgh buildings designed by Sydney Mitchell include the second stage of Ramsay Garden and the Red Home building at the former Royal Infirmary site.

After a long and successful career, he died in St Andrews on 16 September 1912 and was buried at Merchiston Cemetery.

Find out more at www.scottisharchitects.org.uk