Edinburgh, National Gallery and Castle

Category

Library Item

Item no

6928

Title

Edinburgh, National Gallery and Castle

Description

The neoclassical building of the National Gallery of Scotland stands at the foot of the Mound, Edinburgh. In front of it the manicured lawns and paths of Princes Street Gardens can be seen. A sweeping stone balustrade with a pierced design leads down from a higher part of the gardens. Up on the left you can see the towers of Old College, Ramsey Gardens and in the background the faint outline of Edinburgh Castle.

Artist / maker

Valentine, James

Date

1870

Size

11.6 x 17 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying text in the volume reads:
"Old town: Edinburgh from Waverley Gardens, Princes St."

The National Gallery is situated at the foot of the Mound immediately behind the Royal Scottish Academy. W. H. Playfair was the architect for both buildings. The National Gallery's foundation stone was laid by Prince Albert in 1850 and construction was completed in 1854, 28 years after the Academy. It houses Scotland's largest and most important collection of paintings and sculpture from the Renaissance through to the late 19th century. The building is now linked underground to the Royal Scottish Academy.

Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens were established on the site of the Nor'Loch which was drained during the 18th century. The park was originally for the exclusive use of the residents of Princes Street, but was opened to the public in 1876. The gardens contain various statues of notable figures, as well as the Ross Fountain and Bandstand and the famous Floral Clock.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Landscape > Landscape architectural facilities > Gardens

Places > Edinburgh areas > New Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Princes Street

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Culture > Galleries