Eric Sinclair Bell [also known as E.S. Bell] was born in Warrington, Lancashire, England on 1 September 1884. From 1903 to c.1910 he trained as an architect in the Glasgow and London offices of John Burnet & Son, while at the same time studying at Glasgow School of Art. After gaining experience with other architectural practices including Sir John James Burnet, Smith & Brewer Gibson, & Gordon, Lutyens & Baker and Ernest George & Yeates, he returned to Sir John James Burnet in May 1914. During World War One, Bell served as a Captain in the Gordon Highlanders. From 1919 he practised as an independent architect in Stirling, Stirlingshire Scotland. From 1932 he was co-partner in the architectural practice Greig & Bell in Stirling. It is thought that Greig was Charles Henry Greig 1871-1928). As Greig had died four years before it is assumed that Bell had taken over his over his practice and possibly, out of respect, had retained Greig's name in the title of the firm.
Architectural projects by Bell and his practice included a new vestry for Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Stirling (1920); Muir Hall in Doune, Perthshire (1921-22); Aberfoyle Parish Church Hall in Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire (1925); rebuilding of Auchentroig House in Drymen, Stirling following fire-damage (1927); extensions to Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling (1927); new hall at Christ Church in Kippen, Stirlingshire (1929); 66-74 Drip Road, Raploch Housing Estate in Stirling (1936); and Khyber House, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire (1937).
Bell was elected a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (LRIBA) in 1933; and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA) in 1939.
In addition to his work as an architect, Bell was also an etcher, mainly of architectural subjects. An etching by Bell is illustrated in Colour Magazine, April 1921.
Bell exhibited at the Society of Independent Sculptors, Painters and Gravers in London; Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts; and at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. He died at his home in Stirling, Stirlingshire on 15 March 1973
A new vestry for Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Stirling (1920); Muir Hall in Doune, Perthshire (1921-22); Aberfoyle Parish Church Hall in Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire (1925); rebuilding of Auchentroig House in Drymen, Stirling following fire-damage (1927); extensions to Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling (1927); new hall at Christ Church in Kippen, Stirlingshire (1929); 66-74 Drip Road, Raploch Housing Estate in Stirling (1936); and Khyber House, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire (1937).
‘Obituary’. Stirling Observer 21 March 1973 p.13