Skip to Main Content

Buildings

Basic Site Details

University of Edinburgh, Old College
Edinburgh
Scotland

Building Type Classification

The building is classified under the following categories:

Class classic

ClassificationOriginal ClassificationNotes
EDUCATIONNot Known

Events

The following date-based events are associated with this building:

event classic

Event TypeFromToNotes
Build/construction17891793Initial designs
Contracts advertised1812For additions and alterations to Chemical Theatre
Plans drawn up1815Copy of Robert Adam\'s west elevation given to Lord Provost
Alteration/conversion18171826Designs modified and completed.
18861889Building of dome
1922cWar memorial
Scheme accepted1951/10Warrant granted the University Court of Edinburgh University to enlarge the library and install a lift at estimated cost of £13,500
Alterations and additions1965Major changes from this date
Alterations and additions1967/9Dean of Guild Court granted warrant to Edinburgh University Court to make alterations at cost of £9,500.
Restoration197

People

Design and Construction

The following individuals or organisations have carried out design/construction work. Where architects or practices worked together, matching letters appear beside their names in the Partnership Group column.

design classic

PersonPartnership GroupRoleFromToNotes
Robert AdamBArchitect17891793Initial designs
Robert MorisonJArchitect1789Submitted a design.
Hugh CairncrossJClerk of Works17911795
Thomas BonnarPArchitect1812Considerable alterations to Chemical Theatre
George CairncrossLArchitect1815Provided the Lord Provost with a copy of Robert Adam\'s elevation for the west side of the University Building.
Robert MorisonMArchitect1815Was one of the selected architects who competed for the completion of Adam\'s building.
William Henry PlayfairEArchitect18171826Modified the designs and completed the Adam work.
(Sir) Robert Rowand AndersonA18861889Dome
Hew Maitland Wardrop (later Hew Montgomerie Wardrop)A18861887Dome - Anderson responsible for design
Wardrop & AndersonA18861889Dome - Anderson responsible for design
J HamiltonArchitect1951For enlargements and installation of a lift
Ian G Lindsay & PartnersCArchitectural practice1965Interior alterations<br>
John Herdman ReidCArchitect1965Interior alterations. Acted as Consultant. Nomination Paper records that Reid was responsible for this.
Crichton Walker LangDArchitect197Conservation
Ian G Lindsay & PartnersDArchitectural practice197Conservation

Related Buildings, Structures and Designs

Child Structures

This structure or site has the following component or child structures (click on an item to view details):

Child classic

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this building:

bio ref classic

AuthorYearTitlePartPublisherNotes
Adam, Robert & James1820Works in Architecture of Robert and James Adam3
Colvin, Howard2008A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840London: YUP. 4th edition
Fraser, A G1989The Building of Old CollegeEdinburghFor Morison's role see pp133-5, 145, 152
Gifford, John, McWilliam, Colin and Walker, David M1984Edinburgh (The Buildings of Scotland)Harmondsworth: Penguin Books Ltdp190
RIBA1981Directory of Practices 1981

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this building:

period ref classic

Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Builder1888/08/18LV
Builder1886/08/14LI
Builder1887/04/30LII
British Architect1887/06/03*
Builder1951/10/26p570
Edinburgh Evening Courant1812/06/18
Building1967/9/1p122

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this building:

arc ref classic

SourceNameCat NumberItem NameNotes
Historic Environment ScotlandListed Buildings Register27989
National Monuments Record of Scotland/NMRS, RCAHMSDrawings CollectionEDD/220/1
Edinburgh University LibraryPlans10 and 15
RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert MuseumRIBA Nomination PapersJohn Herdman Reid: F no6267 (Combined Box 129)