Dawson, Alexander

DAWSON, Alexander (c1811–1879) was born in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, the son of John Dawson, a saddler, and Isabella Swinton. In 1839–43 he worked with the Royal Engineers on coastal fortifications in Kent, rising to the post of Foreman of Works in the Civil Branch, based on the Isle of Wight. Recommended for promotion, he was appointed as Senior Clerk of Works in the Office of Ordnance in Tasmania, arriving at Hobart with his sisters in October 1844. He worked closely with William Porden Kay (1809–97), Colonial Architect and later Director of Public Works. Besides civil engineering works, Dawson had the right of private practice, designing houses and commercial buildings in the classical idiom and Tudor-Gothic institutions, including the High School (later University). While Kay was in England, Dawson supervised his Government House, gaining the respect of the Governor, Sir William Denison. After Denison moved to Sydney as Governor of New South Wales, he invited Dawson to replace William WEAVER as Colonial Architect. Taking up the position in April 1856, Dawson designed the Observatory on Flagstaff Hill and the Registry Office. In Queensland, his buildings were modest due to little capital spending in the lead-up to Separation. Dawson was suspended in August 1859 for “dereliction of duty”, but the charge was dismissed, and he remained as Colonial Architect until his resignation in October 1862. He was succeeded by James Barnet (1827–1904). Dawson moved to Melbourne and rejoined the Royal Engineers in 1863, as Senior Clerk of Works, Royal Engineers Department, Devonport, Plymouth and by 1871, he was based at Parkhurst Barracks, Hampshire. In retirement he returned to Australia, joining his sisters at Geelong where he died, his sister Margaret Guthrie being the sole beneficiary of his will.