Playfair Monument and City Observatory

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

11580

Title

Playfair Monument and City Observatory, Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Description

The Playfair Monument on Calton Hill, Edinburgh is a square stone temple-like structure of Greek Doric style. The base of the monument is surrounded by a low wall and railings. A man wearing a top hat is leaning on the wall. The City Observatory can be seen in the background.

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 Playfair Monument is situated at the south-east corner of the boundary wall surrounding the Calton Hill observatory. It was erected to the memory of John Playfair, an eminent mathematician, Professor of Natural Philosophy, and President of the Astronomical Institution. It was designed by his nephew, W.H. Playfair, and completed in 1826.

Calton Hill is situated at the east end of Princes Street in Edinburgh. It rises to a height of 108 metres and is another of the city's hills created by volcanic activity. Several monuments stand on the hill. Most prominent amongst these are the Nelson Monument, built in the shape of a telescope, and the unfinished National Monument, modelled on the Parthenon in Athens.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Columns

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Architecture > Monuments > Memorial monuments

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Natural phenomena > Astronomy > Observatories

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Calton Hill

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

(55°57′16″N, 3°11′1″W)

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