A photographic portrait of Baillie John Rust (1853-1919). He was the son of John Rust and Margaret Henderson. His father founded the well-known timber merchants John Rust & Son in 1845.

John Rust junior was an architect and local politician. He served his architectural apprenticeship with John Russell McKenzie before going into business for himself with offices on Union Street, latterly number 224.

Rust was highly active in local life. He was elected to the Council in 1886 representing the Rubislaw Ward. He was re-elected in 1889 and promoted to the position of Third Ballie in 1890.

On the death of the incumbent, William Smith, Rust was a successful applicant for the post of city architect. On his appointment in March 1892 he retired his place on the Council. He served as city architect until his death in 1919.

Along with Sir Alexander Lyon and John Morgan, the builder, Rust was considered a moving spirit in the local government regime known as the "Young Party".

His Aberdeen Journal obituary highlights his involvement in the Beach Bathing Station scheme and the Union Terrace improvements. Also that he was a justice of the peace for Aberdeen City and Kincardineshire.

Moreover he was a significant property owner and was involved in local political, civic, military and church groups.

He died suddenly while on his way to work from his residence of Hawkshill, Milltimber. He was buried in Nellfield Cemetery. His Aberdeen Journal obituary can be found in the issue for 12th September 1919, page 6.

An entry for John Rust can also be found on the Dictionary of Scottish Architects website.

Location

Aberdeen

Keyword

Portraits

Photographer