Skip to content
Home
Favourites
0
Advanced search
Shopping cart
0
Register
Log in
Images of Edinburgh
Browse map
Area A - Z
Browse by date
Exhibitions
Current exhibition
All exhibitions
Collections
About the collections
Browse by theme
Subject A - Z
The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries
Images of Edinburgh
Browse map
Area A - Z
Browse by date
Exhibitions
Current exhibition
All exhibitions
Collections
About the collections
Browse by theme
Subject A - Z
University of Edinburgh, Main Library
MacLean, Kevin, 2016, Digital image
University of Edinburgh, Main Library
University of Edinburgh, Main Library
Add to favourites
Share
Item record
About this image
Related
Location
Category
Library Item
Item no
42057
Title
30 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Main Library. Built 1967, Sir Basil Spence, Glover and Ferguson
Artist / maker
MacLean, Kevin
Date
2016
Type
Digital image
Location
Edinburgh and Scottish Collection
The Main Library is situated on the south west corner of George Square, chosen because this was the quietest section of the square. Opened in 1967, the eight storey building was designed by Sir Basil Spence. The horizontal library exterior is deliberately designed to look like a bookcase; the architecture features brutalist elements but also clear oriental features. The exterior columns on the north side feature bracketing and are non-weight bearing in what may be seen as a humorous stab at the movements at the time following the principle that architecture must be truthful and form must follow function. Upon opening, it was the largest university library in the UK, with each floor an acre in size.
Exhibitions with this item
Other views of this item
Related images
Related subjects
Architecture
>
Architectural features
>
Balconies
Architecture
>
Architectural features
>
Doors and doorways
Architecture
>
Architectural features
>
Windows
Communication
>
Written
>
Signs
Education
>
Educational facilities
>
Universities and colleges
People
>
Adults
>
Men
People
>
Adults
>
Women
Places
>
Edinburgh areas
>
Southside
Places
>
Scotland
>
Edinburgh
Plants
>
Trees
>
Trees
Sport and leisure
>
Culture
>
Libraries
Transport
>
Infrastructure
>
Cobbled paths
Transport
>
Infrastructure
>
Pavements
Rights and purchasing
Option
Price
Digital File
Electronic file 72 dpi JPEG
£7.32
(inc. VAT 20%)
Add
Digital File
Electronic File 300 dpi TIFF
£37.20
(inc. VAT 20%)
Add
You can view and use digital images for personal and educational use. For more information, read our
policy on image use
.
If you wish to use our images for commercial use, please
contact us
.
The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries