Quadrangle, University of Edinburgh Old College

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

11556

Title

Quadrangle, University of Edinburgh Old College

Description

A double image of the interior of Edinburgh University quadrangle showing many archways topped with venetian windows and columns. There is a terrace with steps leading down into the quadrangle.

Artist / maker

Begbie, Thomas

Date

1887

Size

8.3 x 17.1 cm

Type

Glass negative

Location

City Art Centre

Copyright

The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie Prints ; The City of Edinburgh Council Museums & Galleries

The construction of Old College, according to Robert Adam's designs, began in 1789. Adams' death and the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars led to the project being halted in 1792. It was recommenced in 1817 by William Playfair, and work was largely completed by the mid 1830's. It was not until 1887 that the final finishing touch, a large dome similar to that in Adam's original design, was put to the building by Robert Rowand Anderson. This dome was topped with a bronze statue the following year. The building is still used by the University of Edinburgh.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Arches

Places > Edinburgh areas > Southside

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Steps

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