BALFOUR, James (1854-1917) was a successful architect in Hamilton, Ontario during the last two decades of the nineteenth century. His father Peter Balfour was a native of Fifeshire, Scotland who settled in Hamilton in 1842, and who commenced practice as a builder, carpenter and joiner; he later served as city alderman and assessment commissioner. His son James was born in Hamilton on 24 December 1854 and was educated there at Central School, but left Canada at the age of 18 to apprentice with the prominent Scottish architectural partnership of Peddie & Kinnear in Edinburgh. He then moved to New York City for a year, and returned to Hamilton to open an office in late 1873.
Assimilating the popular Second Empire style, he quickly established himself as a competent designer of residential and commercial buildings in the Hamilton area, and took frequent advantage of numerous architectural competitions held in Canada and the United States to obtain commissions. He won First Prize for his impressive design of Alma College, St. Thomas (1878; burned 2008), for the Hamilton City Hall (1887) and for the Detroit Institute of Fine Arts (1887), all of which were realized as originally conceived. He also won competitions for the St. Thomas Post Office (1882) and the Oxford County Court House (1889), but neither project was built for a variety of financial and political reasons.
By 1885 his designs were frequently inspired by major projects from the American architect Henry H. Richardson, the most skilled proponent of the Romanesque Revival style in the United States from 1870 until his death in 1886, and this influence is apparent in Balfour's work well into the 1890's. He was an active member of the Ontario Society of Artists and an associate of the Royal Canadian Academy. Balfour was not a theorist, however, although his brief essay entitled 'Architecture in Canada' (C.A.B., iii, June 1890, 3) does give some insight into the state of architectural design in this country through the eyes of a prolific and technically competent practitioner. Balfour's consistency of style and architectural ingenuity in his later work appear to have impressed Hamilton City Councillors when they awarded him First Prize in the competition for the City Hall in Hamilton in 1887 (Spectator [Hamilton], 13 Aug. 1887, 4). This accomplished design for a dignified Romanesque work executed in Port Credit sandstone was selected over the design prepared by his rival Charles W. Mulligan, and became the crowning achievement of his career upon its completion in 1889. That same year, he was declared the winner of the competition in February 1887 for the new Art Museum in Detroit, Michigan (Detroit Free Press, 1 Feb. 1887, 8; and 3 Feb. 1887, 5; and 4 Feb. 1887, 8). This victory was not without criticism and debate, as the eminent jurors who selected the design were interviewed at great length and revealed their lack of support for Balfour's design (Detroit Free Press, 12 March 1887, 5, descrip.).
Balfour was married to Georgina Catharine Munro on 26 June 1878 and they raised five children before their marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce case when she was accused of adulterous behaviour and she in turn claimed Balfour had been '...violent, obscene and abusive' (Spectator [Hamilton], 25 May 1892, 1; and 1 June 1892, 1; and 29 June 1892, 1). A long illness prevented Balfour from carrying out significant work after 1905 and he died at Hamilton on 10 April 1917, and was buried at Hamilton Cemetery. A photographic portrait of Balfour can be found in C.A.B., iii, Dec. 1890, 144. (biography in H. Morgan, Canadian Men and Women of the Time, 1898, 46; Dictionary of Hamilton Biography, i, 1981, 14; obituary in Spectator [Hamilton], 11 April 1917, 4)
James BALFOUR (works in Hamilton)
GARTH STREET, near Main Street, residence for Michael Fanning, 1873 (Spectator [Hamilton], 13 Dec. 1873, 3)
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Jackson Street West at MacNab Street, a manse for the church, 1874 (Spectator [Hamilton], 12 March 1874, 3, descrip.)
HANNAH STREET, a block of dwellings for the Hamilton Real Estate Association, 1876 (Spectator [Hamilton], 25 March 1876, 2, t.c.)
BOY'S HOME, Stinson Street, 1876-77 (Spectator [Hamilton], 27 Feb. 1878, 4, descrip.)
(attributed) RAY STREET SOUTH, near King Street West, a pair of houses for Reginald A. Kennedy & W.M. Davidson, perhaps for the Hamilton Real Estate Association, 1877-78; still standing in 2023 (inf. Robert Hamilton)
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, John Street North at Rebecca Street, 1877-78, demol. 1975 (Spectator [Hamilton] 26 Feb. 1878, 4)
JOHN McPHERSON & CO., King Street East, factory, 1878-79 (Spectator [Hamilton], 30 Jan. 1879, 4, detailed descrip.)
SANFORD, VAIL & BICKLEY, King Street East, additions and alterations to factory, 1878-79 (Spectator [Hamilton] 13 April 1878, 2; and 8 Sept. 1879, l, t.c.; and 23 Jan 1880, 4, descrip.)
LARKIN HALL, John Street North near King Street, a block of stores and theatre for J. Henry Larkin, 1878-79 (Spectator [Hamilton] 23 Nov. 1878, 4)
MacNAB STREET NORTH, near Murray Street East, a terrace of six attached houses for J. Henry Larkin, with central carriageway leading to six coach houses on rear lane, 1880 (Globe & Mail [Toronto], 12 March 2021, p. H6 and H7, illus. & descrip.)
MARY STREET, near Barton Street East, a large cotton factory for James M. Young, 1880 (Spectator [Hamilton], 22 March 1880, l, descrip.; Gazette [Montreal], 26 March 1880, 4, descrip.)
BROWN, ROUTH & CO., James Street South, warehouse, 1880 (Spectator [Hamilton], 21 April 1880, 4; and 31 July 1880, 4, descrip.)
MAIN STREET EAST, at Wellington Street, residence of James Cummings, 1880 (Spectator [Hamilton], 16 Oct. 1880, 4)
ONTARIO COTTON MILLS, MacNab Street South at Simcoe Street, 1881 (Spectator [Hamilton], 25 Feb. 1881, 4, descrip., and 17 Oct. 1881, 4, descrip.)
LUCAS, PARKE & CO., MacNab Street South near Merrick Street, warehouse, 1881 (Spectator [Hamilton], 24 Oct. 1881, 4,)
CONCESSION STREET, "Ravenscliffe", a iarge residence of William J. Copp, 1881 (Spectator [Hamilton] 24 Oct. 1881, 4; and 18 Jan. 1882, 1, t.c.)
W.H. GILLARD CO., Main Street West near James Street, warehouse, designed 1882-83, built 1885; demol. (Spectator [Hamilton], 28 June 1882, 1, t.c.; Toronto Mail, 22 May 1886, 6, illus. & descrip.; inf. Robert Hamilton)
MacNAB STREET SOUTH, residence of George A. Grover, 1883 (dwgs. at Fisher Rare Book Library, Univ. of Toronto, MS 257; inf. from Rachel Grover, Toronto)
ERSKINE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Pearl Street at Little Market Street, 1884 (Spectator [Hamilton], 20 May 1884, l, t.c.)
LAIDLAW MANUFACTURING CO., Mary Street at Kelly Street, addition of a new foundry to factory, 1886 (Spectator [Hamilton] 26 Jan. 1886, 4, t.c.; inf. Robert Hamilton)
CRYSTAL PALACE GROUNDS, a new Grandstand, 1887 (Spectator [Hamilton] 2 July 1887, 4, t.c.)
HAMILTON CITY HALL, James Street at York Street, 1887-90, demol. 1962 (Spectator [Hamilton] 13 Aug. 1887, 4, descrip.; and 19 July 1888, 4, illus. & descrip.; and 22 Oct. 1889, 4, illus. & descrip.; C.A.B., i, Jan. 1888, illus.; xii, May 1899, illus.)
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, Jackson Street East at James Street, 1889; demol. 1958 (Spectator [Hamilton], 4 March 1889, 4, descrip.; and 29 Oct. 1889, 4, illus. & descrip.)
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Jackson Street West at MacNab Street, a Sunday School, 1889 (Spectator [Hamilton], 15 June 1889, 4, t.c.; C.A.B., v, April 1892, illus.)
TUCKETT TOBACCO CO., Queen Street North, an office and factory complex, 1890 (Spectator [Hamilton], 27 Feb. 1890, 4)
BELL TELEPHONE OFFICE & EXCHANGE, Hughson Street South, 1890 (C.R., i, 12 April 1890, 2; Toronto Daily Mail, 17 Aug. 1891, 6, descrip.)
CENTRAL SCHOOL, Hunter Street West at Park Street, major additions and new tower, 1890 (C.R., i, 26 April 1890, 2; Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, 80 for 80: Celebrating 80 Years of the A.C.O., 2013, 66-67, illus. & descrip.)
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH, Queen Street North at King Street, a new rectory and Sunday School, 1891; demol. 2016 (C.R., ii, 23 May 1891, 2)
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, James Street South, 1891 (C.R., ii, 6 Aug. 1891, 2)
GOMPH BREWERY, John Street North, 1891 (C.R., ii, 26 Sept. 1891, 2)
BAY STREET SOUTH, a pair of houses for J.M. Lottridge, 1892 (C.A.B., v, Jan. 1892, illus.)
HAMILTON ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY CO., James Street South, power house, 1892 (C.A.B., v, July 1892, illus.)
HAMILTON JOCKEY CLUB, at the Central Hamilton Fair Grounds, a race track, Club House, grand stand and paddocks, and Road House, 1892-93; all demol. (Evening Times [Hamilton], 12 April 1892, 8; and 29 Aug. 1892, 8; The Globe [Toronto], 25 Nov. 1892, 6, descrip.; C.A.B., vi, March 1893, illus.; inf. Robert Hamilton)
BAY STREET NORTH, between Mulberry Street and Sheaffe Street, two rows of brick houses at No. 174-180 Bay Street North, and No. 182-190 Bay Street North, for J.M. Lottridge, 1893; both rows still standing in 2022 (Evening Times [Hamilton], 14 Feb. 1893, 8; and 25 March 1893, 8; inf. Robert Hamilton)
MOUNTAIN VIEW HOTEL, Upper James Street, on Hamilton Mountain, major addition to existing hotel, 1893-94; demol. 1937 (Evening Times [Hamilton], 1 Nov. 1893, 8, t.c.; inf. Robert Hamilton)
QUEEN STREET NORTH, a mansion for George E. Tuckett, 1892-93 (C.A.B., vi, Nov. 1893, 115, descrip.; and vii, June 1894, illus.)
JAMES STREET SOUTH, at Markland Street, a mansion for Charles M. Counsell, 1893-94 (Evening Times [Hamilton], 16 March 1893, 8; and 6 April 1893, 8; C.A.B., vi, Nov. 1893, 115, descrip.; inf. Robert Hamilton)
JOSEPH HOODLESS & SONS CO., King Street West, a large 4 storey furniture store and warehouse, with rebuilding and remodelling of existing building, 1893 (Evening Times [Hamilton], 11 May 1893, 8, t.c.; and 17 Nov. 1893, 8, detailed architectural descrip.; inf. Robert Hamilton)
MARY STREET, at Robert Street, a row of ten houses at 191-209 Mary Street, 1896 and still standing in 2022 (Spectator [Hamilton], 15 April 1896, 1; inf. Robert Hamilton)
BAY STREET SOUTH, at Robinson Street, residence of James Thomson, 1897; demol. (Evening Times [Hamilton], 10 May 1897, 1; inf. Robert Hamilton; C.A.B., x, July 1897, illus.)
HANNAH STREET WEST [now Charlton Street], at Caroline Street, bakery for R.B. Hill, 1899; demol. c. 1960 (Evening Times [Hamilton], 18 May 1899, 8; inf. Robert Hamilton)
MARKET SQUARE, a public comfort station, 1905 (C.A.B., xviii, Jan. 1905, 8, illus.)
James BALFOUR (works elsewhere)
ST. THOMAS, ONT., Alma Ladies College, a commission won in a competition, 1878-81; additions 1888-89; burned 2008 (Spectator [Hamilton], 27 Feb. 1878, 4, detailed descrip.; Advertiser [London], 25 May 1878, 2, descrip.; Globe [Toronto], 21 April 1886, 5, t.c.; E. Edwards, History of Alma College, 1927, 5, 7, 18, illus.)
MILTON, ONT., new Gaol and major additions to the Court House, 1877 (Globe [Toronto], 7 April 1877, 7, t.c.; Acton Free Press, 12 April 1877, 2, payment of $150 to James Balfour for plans and specifications)
ANCASTER, ONT. hotel for Edward Henderson, 386 Wilson Street East at Academy Street, 1878-79; still standing in 2024 (Spectator [Hamilton], 26 Oct. 1878, 4, t.c.; inf. Robert Hamilton)
BURLINGTON BEACH, ONT., a church, 1879 (Spectator [Hamilton], 14 March 1879, 1, t.c.)
SMITHVILLE, ONT., Methodist Church, 1882 (Christian Guardian [Toronto] 12 April 1882, 117)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN, Institute of Fine Arts, Jefferson Avenue, won in a competition against 53 other American and Canadian architects, 1887-88; demol. 1921 (Detroit Free Press, 11 March 1887, 5; with appraisal and debate, and 12 March 1887, 5; Montreal Daily Star, 14 March 1887, 1; Spectator [Hamilton], 14 March 1887, 4, descrip.; Architectural Era [Syracuse], ii, Dec. 1888, 225, 228, descrip.; W. H. Ferry, The Buildings of Detroit, 1968, 133, 171, illus., inf. Robert Hamilton)
ST. THOMAS, ONT., The St. Thomas Journal Newspaper Building, Talbot Street, a 3 storey commercial block, 1891; demol. (The Spectator [Hamilton], 12 Oct. 1891, 1; inf. Robert Hamilton)
SIMCOE, ONT., a large 3 storey High School, Wilson Avenue at Norfolk Street, 1893; still standing in 2024 and now called Simcoe Composite School (Evening Times (Hamilton), 19 May 1893, 8; inf. Robert Hamilton)
NIAGARA FALLS, ONT., Christ Church [Anglican], River Road, addition of new chancel and transepts, 1893 (Evening Times (Hamilton), 19 May 1893, 8; inf. Robert Hamilton; 25th Anniversary Souvenir of Christ Church, 1935, 10, illus.)
NIAGARA FALLS, ONT., Electric Power House for the Niagara Falls Park & River Railway, located "......just above the Falls, at the foot of Cedar Island", 1893 (Daily Standard [St. Catharines], 10 April 1893, 2, detailed descrip.; Street Railway Journal [New York] ix, Sept. 1893, 586-7, descrip.; inf. R. Barnett)
BURLINGTON BEACH, ONT., The Girls Friendly Society Holiday Home, located on Beach Boulevard, south of Elsinore, halfway between Church Crossing and Dynes Hotel, 1894; demol. (Evening Times (Hamilton), 19 May 1894, 8; and 28 June 1894, 8; inf. Robert Hamilton)
COMPETITIONS
TORONTO, ONT., Parliament Buildings, 1880. Using the pseudonym 'Ontario', Balfour was one of 16 competitors who submitted a design in this two stage competition (OA, RG15, S-6, Vol. 3, File 315). His scheme was not sent forward to the second stage.
HAMILTON, ONT., The Hamilton Club, Main Street East at James Street, 1882. Balfour was one of four architects from Hamilton, Toronto and Buffalo, N.Y. who were invited to submit designs for the new home of the Hamilton Club. The eventual winner of the competition was Richard Waite of Buffalo (Mark Osbaldeston, Unbuilt Hamilton, 2016, 101-04, illus. & descrip.)
ST. THOMAS, ONT., Post Office & Custom House, 1882. Balfour's proposal, a classical Palladian design, was commended as the best scheme, but his project was never realized (St. Thomas Times, 2 March 1882, 3, descrip.)
TORONTO, ONT., City Hall & Court House, 1886. In May 1886 Balfour was one of thirteen architects who prepared designs for this important project, but he was not a finalist and the commission was awarded to E.J. Lennox. Balfour exhibited his design during the following year (E. McMann, Royal Canadian Academy Exhibitions & Members 1880-1979, 17, Item 188)
WOODSTOCK, ONT., Oxford County Court House, 1889. Balfour was awarded First Premium for his design, but his plans greatly exceeded the permitted budget and were never realised (C.A.B., i, Aug. 1889, 1)
TORONTO, ONT., Confederation Life Building, 1890. Balfour's robust Romanesque Revival design received Third Prize (C.A.B., iii, June 1890, plate illus.). The firm of Knox & Elliott were awarded the commission.
PITTSBURGH, PENN., Carnegie Library, 1891. Six prizes of $2,000 were offered to competitors, but Balfour was not among the finalists (C.A.B., iv, Nov. 1891, ix)
HAMILTON, ONT., Carnegie Library, 1910. Balfour was one of 20 architects from Canada and the United States who submitted a design in this important competition. He was not one of three finalists, and the winners were Stuart Pavey of London, Ont. with Harold E. Shorey and Atwell J. King of Montreal. However, their winning design was rejected because it was mistakenly assumed they were Americans who had submitted their entry from a New York City address. The commission was later awarded to A.W. Peene of Hamilton (inf. Robert Hamilton).
OTTAWA, ONT., Departmental Buildings, 1914. More than 60 competitors from the British Empire submitted designs for this major commission, but only six were elevated to Stage Two, and the project was never realized. Balfour's scheme was not premiated (NAC, RG11, Vol. 2952, File 5370-1B)