The Golden Age of Glasgow’s Art Trade: January 1908 – Death of John Edmiston, at Blackmount, Bishopbriggs

John Edmiston died on Monday the 13th of January, 1908. His obituary, which is on page ten of The Glasgow 

Herald, on Wednesday the 15th, reads:

 

“THE LATE MR JOHN EDMISTON.

 

By the death of Mr John Edmiston, in his eighty-second year, one of the oldest business men in

Glasgow, has passed away. Mr Edmiston, who retired three years ago, had been living quietly at

his residence, Blackmount, Bishopbriggs. He was a native of Paisley, and in early life he came to

Glasgow, where he entered the employment of Mr Robert Curle, auctioneer. Subsequently he was

with the firm of Messrs Hutchison and Dixon in the old Black Bull Sale-Rooms in Virginia Street.

In 1856 he and his brother Richard started business as auctioneers, valuers, and assessors at 33

Buchanan Street, afterwards removing to Gordon Street and then to West Nile Street, where the

firm of Messrs J. and R. Edmiston still carry on business in the premises known as the City Mart.

As indicated, Mr John had ceased to participate actively in the work, but Mr Richard continues to

be closely identified with it. While interested in public affairs and in church work, Mr John Edmiston

took no very prominent part in either, though he had a close connection with Montrose Street

Evangelical Union Church during the ministry of the Rev. Dr Fergus Ferguson. Mr Edmiston was

twice married, and leaves a wife and family.”

 

 

The notice of his death is on the front page of the same issue of the Herald.

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, December 2023.