Royal Institution, or School of Arts, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

18691

Title

Royal Institution, or School of Arts [Royal Scottish Academy], Edinburgh

Description

The Royal Institution on Princes Street is a square building with many columns.

Artist / maker

Shepherd, Thomas Hosmer

Engraver

Cruse, A

Date

1829

Size

10.4 x 15.7 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image comes from 'Modern Athens', a book of engravings based on drawings by Thomas Shepherd published in 1829. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries Edinburgh was growing rapidly. The popular neoclassical architectural style of the time was inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and Edinburgh was nicknamed 'Athens of the North'. Shepherd's engravings celebrate the beauty of Edinburgh and show many notable buildings and streets both within the city, and further afield.

The Royal Scottish Academy, originally the Royal Institution, is situated at the junction of Princes Street and the Mound in Edinburgh. Completed in 1826, the building was designed by W. H. Playfair in the Greek Doric style. It was extended and improved by the same architect between 1831-36, and a statue of Queen Victoria was added at the front in 1844. The building is now linked underground to the National Gallery. The Academy promotes and exhibits the work of living Scottish artists.

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Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Columns

Architecture > Architectural features > Friezes

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Architecture > Architectural features > Roofs

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Helmets

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Umbrellas