The front of the Maiden Hospital

Category

Library Item

Item no

5414

Title

A perspective view of the front of the Maiden Hospital from the north

Description

The Maiden Trades Hospital stands surrounded by walls in Edinburgh. The building is in three sections with the central part having steps leading up to an arched doorway. Two girls in long dresses and mob-caps stand having a discussion on the pathway leading to the school.

Artist / maker

Elphinstone, John

Engraver

Unknown

Date

1740

Size

22 x 32.1 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image is taken from a volume in our collections entitled, "Fifteen Views of the most remarkable buildings of the City of Edinburgh by the Honorable J. Elphinstone" which unfortunately is not complete or in its original condition.
The images from this volume are credited to John Elphinstone although there is some uncertainty around the authorship of some of the pictures. The first three in the volume, (‘A view of the new-bridge of Edinburgh, with the adjacent buildings of the Old and New-Town’, ‘A view of the abby - church in ruins, from the north west’ and ‘A view of St. Roques - Church in ruins from the north east’) have a slightly different feel and style to the rest of the images and the image of the original North Bridge pre-dates the bridge itself.

For further information, please view the exhibition page for The "most remarkable buildings of the city of Edinburgh" by the Honorable J. Elphinstone.

Trades' Maiden Hospital was founded in 1704 by the Trades Incorporations and Mrs Mary Erskine for the maintenance and education of daughters of tradesmen who had fallen into poverty. It was situated on the south side of Argyle Square and could house 23 girls. The school has operated from a variety of sites and was in Rillbank Terrace from 1855-1892, then moved to Grange Loan. Today the charity still operates from Melville Street.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Education > Educational facilities > Schools

People > Children > Girls

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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