William Leslie (1802-1879)

William Leslie was a Scottish architect who was responsible for the creation and repair of many buildings in Scotland, including additions to Kingussie Parish Church and Dunrobin Castle. In later life he became a town councillor for Aberdeen and was Lord Provost from 1869 to 1873. 

"I beg to acknowledge receipt of two copies of Mrs

Stowe’s ‘Sunny Memories’..."

In his letter dated 9th October 1854 William Leslie refers to receiving two copies of Harriet Beecher Stowe's non fictional work about her tour of Britain titled 'Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands'. He has given one of the copies to illustrator George Cruikshank and intends to write and thank Mrs Stowe. 

During her tour of Britain in 1853, Mrs Stowe met William Leslie and George Cruickshank when she visited Aberdeen. Leslie accompanied her and her party on an architectural tour of the city and the meeting is mentioned in her book: "One of the friends who had accompanied us during the morning tour was the celebrated architect, Mr Leslie, whose conversation gave us all much enjoyment".

View William Leslie's letter [opens in a new window]

Image Rights: Owned by Aberdeen City Council under the curatorial care of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.