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Basic Site Details

Elder Public Library
Govan
Glasgow
Scotland
Elder Park Library is the only surviving Glasgow branch library which pre-dates the Carnegie Libraries. Opened on 5 September 1903 by Andrew Carnegie, it is the only Glasgow suburban library which he is recorded as having ever visited. The library, along with Elder Park, was donated to the burgh of Govan by Mrs Isabella Elder, the widow of the ship builder John Elder

The new Carnegie library at Elder N B (opened on the 5th inst) which is built in the classic style of architecture, occupies a site on the south-eastern corner of Elder Park. The principal elevation contains an entrance colonnade which forms a centre piece to the building. Surmounting this is a balustrade on which is carved the Govan coat of arms. The interior includes news-room, reference libraries, museum, juvenile room, librarian’s room and lending library. Accommodation is provided in the last for between 30,000 and 40,000 volumes. The architect of the building is Mr John James Burrow (sic), Glasgow, and the cost is estimated at £27,000.[British Architect 11 September 1903 Page 199]

Govan, Glasgow.—The Elder Free Library, which has been gifted to the burgh of Govan by Mrs John Elder, who has, in addition, endowed the building, was opened on Saturday afternoon by Dr Andrew Carnegie. The library, which is Classic in character, occupies a site at the southeast corner of Elder Park. An entrance portico forms the central features of the chief front. The interior includes newsroom, reference libraries for men and women, museum, juvenile room, librarian\'s room, and lending library. Accommodation is provided in the last for between 30,000 and 40,000 volumes. The architect is Mr. John James Burnet, A.R.S.A., Glasgow, and the cost has been £27,000. [Building News 18 September 1903 page 373]

Sculptors: Holmes and Jackson.

Alternative Names

The following alternative names are associated with this building/design:

Alt classic

NameCurrent NameNotes
Elder Park LibraryYes

Building Type Classification

The building is classified under the following categories:

Class classic

ClassificationOriginal ClassificationNotes
LibraryNot Known

Street Addresses

The following street addresses are associated with this building:

Str Add classic

AddressCurrent AddressNotes
228a Langlands RoadYes

Events

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

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Event TypeFromToNotes
Build/construction19011903Original building
Alterations and additions19211925Alterations at rear, deepening the plan and re-erecting original rear elevation on new line

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.

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PersonPartnership GroupRoleFromToNotes
(Sir) John James BurnetA19011903Original building
James Wilkie WeddellA19011903As apprentice/assistant to Burnet
John Burnet & SonA19011903Original building
Thomas Stewart PurdieA19011903As assistant to John James Burnet
Glasgow Office of Public Works Architectural Department (later Glasgow Corporation City Engineer's Department)B19211925Alterations at rear. With Nisbet as City Engineer
Thomas NisbetB19211925Alterations at rear. Nisbet as City Engineer

Clients

The following individuals or organisations have commissioned work on this building/design:

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NameNotes
Elder, Mrs Isabella the widow of the ship builder John Elder

Related Buildings, Structures and Designs

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this building:

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AuthorYearTitlePartPublisherNotes
McKenzie, Ray2002Public sculpture of Glasgow (Public sculpture of Great Britain series)Liverpool University Pressp463
RSA1910370
Williamson, Riches, Higgs1990Glasgow (The Buildings of Scotland)p592

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this building:

period ref classic

Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Architect1905/03/17*
British Architect1903/09/11p199 - opening
Building News1903/09/18p373 - opening
Architect1905/04/07*

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this building:

arc ref classic

SourceNameCat NumberItem NameNotes
RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert MuseumRIBA Nomination PapersThomas Stewart Purdie: L v25 no2068; James Wilkie Weddell: L v21 no1667
Historic Environment ScotlandListed Buildings Register33310