William Guthrie Gardiner (died 7 November 1935)[1] was a wealthy shipowner who was a generous benefactor to the University of Glasgow, endowing a number of chairs.
[2] He had two brothers Frederick who became Sir Frederick Crombie Gardiner and James with whom established the company of James Gardiner & Co and made a great success from commercial shipping, owning a number of vessels although the business was not without its risks.
[3] The company was sold after the First World War generating a considerable fortune.
This wealth was subsequently used to greatly enrich the University of Glasgow.
[4] These include: In 1938, the Gardiner Institute of Medicine was built the costs being met from their bequests.