Archibald McLellan


Archibald McLellan was a Glasgow coachbuilder, art collector, councillor and magistrate.

Early life

McLellan was born in Glasgow in 1795, or possibly 1797. His parents were Archibald McLellan, a coach-builder, and Christian Shillinglaw.
He was educated at the Grammar School and the University of Glasgow before joining his father in the coachbuilding business where he showed skill as a heraldic draughtsman.

Career and public roles

He was a Tory councillor on Glasgow Town Council and became a Magistrate of the city at 25 years old. As a coachbuilder, he joined the of Glasgow, rising to be appointed Deacon-Convener of The Trades’ House in 1831. He held the office for two years.
He was a member of the Glasgow Dilettanti Society in 1825, trustee of Anderson's University from 1840, Glasgow Art Union's management committee, and president of the City of Glasgow Fine Art Association at its foundation in 1853. An article by him resulted in efforts to renovate Glasgow Cathedral. His personal art collection was left to the City of Glasgow and formed the basis of its civic art collection. The McLellan Galleries in Sauchiehall Street are named after him.

Death

McLellan died at Mugdock Castle, a favourite residence of his during the summer months, on 22 October 1854, aged 58 and is buried in the Glasgow Necropolis.