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Christopher GallowayA mechanic and architect originally from Scotland
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Christopher Galloway: A Scottish Architect and Mechanic in Moscow
- Appointment and Salary
- Clockmaking and the Spasskaya Tower
- Water-Lifting Machine and Architectural Influence
- Later Years and Legacy
Christopher Galloway: A Scottish Architect and Mechanic in Moscow
Early Life and Arrival in MoscowChristopher Galloway was a Scottish mechanic and architect who lived during the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich in Russia. Little is known about his life before arriving in Moscow in 1621 (or possibly 1620). He was sent to Russia by King James I to establish trade and diplomatic relations.
Appointment and Salary
Upon arriving in Moscow, Galloway was appointed as a mechanic and architect with a salary of 60 rubles per year, a daily allowance of 20 kopecks, and a weekly supply of firewood. By 1640, his salary had increased to 75 rubles, and his allowance had doubled. As the clockmaker of the Frolovskaya (Spasskaya) Tower and the court clockmaker, he also received food and drink from the royal palace.
Clockmaking and the Spasskaya Tower
In 1628, Galloway was commissioned to repair the large palace clock known as the "Caesar's Tower" and "small gate clocks." When Mikhail Fedorovich desired a more elaborate clock for the Spassky Gate, Galloway proposed building a tall tower with a tent roof, which was completed in 1624-1625. The clock, which rotated its dial rather than its hands, was an unusual design.
Water-Lifting Machine and Architectural Influence
In 1633, Galloway installed a water-lifting machine to pump water from the Moscow River into the Vodovzvodnaya (Water-Lifting) Tower. This invention supplied water to the royal kitchens and stables. Historian I.L. Buseva-Davydova suggests that Galloway may have also designed the Terem Palace (1636-1637).
Later Years and Legacy
The details of Galloway's life after 1645 and his year of death are unknown. His work as a clockmaker and architect had a significant impact on the appearance and infrastructure of Moscow during the 17th century.
