Edinburgh Public Library, Principal Staircase

Category

Library Item

Item no

33919

Title

Edinburgh Public Library, Sketch for Principal Staircase, G. W. Browne Architect

Description

Sketch of the main staircase in Edinburgh Central Library showing the entrance to the Reference Library and the door of the Boardroom below it.

Artist / maker

Browne, George Washington

Date

1889

Size

27.0 x 23.0 cm

Type

Press cutting; Reproduction

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Published in The British Architect, November 22nd 1889

The stone flagstones and stairs are from the Angus area (Arbroath stone or Carmyllie flagstone). The British Geological Society have viewed the stairs and have noted that the size of the landing stones and the width of the stairs are of extreme proportions and would not be available today.

Edinburgh Central Public Library is, strictly speaking, located on the Cowgate. It rises up four floors from this level to its main entrance on George IV Bridge. It was designed by George Washington Browne, and built in 1887-90. It was built with money donated by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Central Library acts as the community library for the centre of the city. It also has several subject dedicated sections: the Fine Art Library; Music Library; Edinburgh and Scottish Collection, and the Reference Library.

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