John Keppie Paintings

John Keppie was a Scottish architect who played an influential role in the architectural scene of Glasgow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1862, Keppie was educated at the Glasgow School of Art and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His architectural style initially followed the Beaux-Arts tradition, characterized by grandeur and classical detail, which was popular in Europe and America at the time.

Keppie joined the architectural practice of Honeyman and Keppel in 1889, which later became Honeyman, Keppie & Mackintosh after Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the most famous Scottish architects and designers, joined the firm. Although Keppie was a competent architect in his own right, his association with Mackintosh often overshadows his individual contributions to architecture. The firm was responsible for a number of significant projects, including the Glasgow Herald Building and the extension of the Glasgow School of Art, the latter being predominantly credited to Mackintosh.

Throughout his career, Keppie was involved with the Glasgow Institute of Architects and served as its president. He was also a member of other professional bodies, contributing to the development and enforcement of professional standards in Scottish architecture. Keppie's work extended beyond architecture to areas of civic engagement and the arts. He was known for his philanthropic work and support of the arts community in Glasgow.

Keppie's architectural legacy is somewhat eclipsed by the towering figure of Mackintosh, but his influence on Glasgow's architectural heritage, as well as his mentorship of one of Scotland's most celebrated architects, remains an important part of his professional narrative. John Keppie passed away in 1945, leaving behind a legacy entwined with the evolution of Glasgow's architectural identity during a period of significant change and innovation.