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University of Edinburgh Collections

This collection is based around the architectural drawings of William Henry Playfair (1789-1857) and Robert Rowand Anderson (1834-1921).

While Playfair's most important works in Edinburgh have been executed in the Greek revivalist or classical style - earning for Edinburgh the title of 'Athens of the North' - he was competent in other styles too. New College, housing the University's Faculty of Divinity and the Church of Scotland's General Assembly Hall (the latter being the temporary home of the Scottish Parliament from 1999) is a jagged-lined rendering of the Gothic style. He also built country houses and mansions in the Italianate and Tudor styles.

Anderson had four years of legal training, and then while serving with the Royal Engineers he studied construction and design. He then entered the Architectural Section of the School of the Board of Manufactures, and before setting up in practice in Edinburgh, in around 1875, he spent a year in continental travel. His practice was very successful and his output was large. His work included the University of Edinburgh Medical School, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (and Museum of Antiquities), Edinburgh, the Montrose Memorial within the High Kirk of St. Giles, Edinburgh, Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute and Central Station Hotel, Glasgow. Anderson was knighted in 1902 and he was the first President of the Scottish Institute of Architects.

If you would like to re-use any of these images, please contact the Centre for Research Collections (is-crc@ed.ac.uk) where staff can advise you of the copyright status. Further information can be found on our Image Licensing webpages.

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