GILMOUR, John Bowie (1820-1891) — Glasgow
Lithographer, engraver & printer. In partnership with Alexander Davidson Dean as ‘Gilmour & Dean’ produced ‘The national atlas of modern geography’ 1852; William Robertson, Feuing plan of the lands of Craigend 1857; Feuing plan of Victoria Park, Glasgow 1869; Proposed feuing plan of part of the farm of Toward, the property of Mr. Lamont of Knockdows 1873; Plan of the harbour of Montreal, shewing improvements designed by the Board of Engineers 1877, etc. The business was particularly known for banknote engraving, etc., advertising in 1854 that it undertook “every kind of mercantile and artistic lithography”, including “maps, railway plans, mechanical drawings, and landscape and marine drawings in tinted litho”.
Born in Glasgow 15 Apr 1820, the son of David Gilmour and his wife Janet Graham, who had married in 1819. Married Janet (Jessy) Hoggan (1818-1904), with whom he had several children, in Glasgow, 15 Jul 1841. In partnership with Alexander Davidson Dean as ‘Gilmour & Dean’ from 1 May 1846. They were employing thirty hands by 1851, eighty-five by 1861, and over 100 by 1881. Testified as an expert witness on authenticating manuscripts at fraud trials in 1876, etc., as well as on lithography at a forgery trial in 1882. He was serving as a Commissioner of Police in 1886. Admitted to Gartnavel Royal Asylum (a mental institution) 28 Feb 1889. He died at Sunnylaw House, Bridge of Allan 14 Apr 1891. His estate was valued at £9,207.14s.6d, with a further £3,250 declared in 1892.
74 Argyll Street, Glasgow — 1845
86 Buchanan Street, Glasgow — 1846-1854
— and 13 Exchange Place, Glasgow —1846-1853
— and 13 & 15 Exchange Place, Glasgow — 1853-1854
15 Exchange Place, Glasgow — 854-1857
— 4 Eton Terrace, Hillhead (home) — 1871-1891
3 Exchange Place, Glasgow — 1857-1874
50 North Hanover Street, Glasgow — 1874-1891
BNA. Census 1851-1891. Fincham. LG. LHD. SBTI. Schenck.