Glasgow - City of Sculpture
By Gary Nisbet
William York
(1799-1865)
One of Glasgow's most successful builders in the mid-19th Century, he set up his business c.1834 in Cowcaddens, and later moved to 30 Renfrew Street.

His important buildings featuring sculpture include:

The Custom House, 298-306 Clyde Street (1838-9), who’s Royal Arms provoked a demonstration and much derision when they were hoisted onto the building in June, 1838; the Bank of Scotland, 174-6 Ingram Street, who’s shield and its colossal female supporters (by A H Ritchie ) were escorted by York from Edinburgh (1849, statues lost); and the Queen’s Rooms, 1 La Belle Place which feature’s York’s name on its south gable, together with those of the building’s architect, Charles Wilson , and its sculptor, John Mossman (1857).

He was also the contractor for the building of the Victoria Bridge (1851-4).

York died on 17 August 1865, and was buried in the Necropolis.

Sources:

 
Works in our Database:
1: La Belle Place (Kelvingrove),
Former Queen's Rooms, 1 La Belle Place
Narrative Friezes, Portraits, Trophies
and Associated Decorative Carving (1857-8)

Sculptors: J Mossman assisted by W Buchan;
Architect: C Wilson; Builder: W York
 
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