The Architect Inspecting the New Railings

Category

Library Item

Item no

28022

Title

The Architect inspecting the new railings

Description

The Architect, Ian Riddle (left) inspecting the new railings, Gardiners Crescent, Edinburgh

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2012

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

In 1822 the first crescent of Georgian style houses was built on the site which today is known as Gardner's Crescent. The crescent was built as a part of a larger program of work for the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh.

The original plan was to have a matching crescent opposite the first crescent of houses however the development of the railways and the canal basin, Port Hamilton was located close to the back of the Crescent, prevented the completion of this phase of development.

In place of the crescent, in 1853 a gentleman named James Gowans built Rosebank Cottages. Designed by architect Alexander MacGregor, these cottage flats were aimed at working men to enable them to have their own front door and their own individual space.

In the centre of the street is a gardened area. Originally this garden had been surrounded by cast-iron railings but these railings were removed during 1939-45 for the War effort.

The project for Gardner's Crescent aimed to restore the Gardens to their former splendour by rebuilding walls and iron railings that surround the gardens and to replant the trees and plants which sit within it. The plans for the garden aim to follow that used in 1836, called 'Kay's plan of Edinburgh'. The project has been a joint effort between the Friends of Gardner's Crescent, Edinburgh World Heritage and Scottish Power. The architect working on the project was Ian Riddle and the contractors undertaking the work was Charles Laing & Sons Ltd.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Gateways

Architecture > Architectural features > Pillars

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Places > Edinburgh areas > West End

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.