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Plan of Athenaeum
1262 Plan of Athenaeum by Archibald Simpson. It was designed as a newsroom for the citizens of Aberdeen and was owned by Alexander Brown, bookseller. In 1888 it was sold to James Hay and it was then converted into a hotel and restaurant. In 1973 a massive fire destroyed the interior of the building which has now become offices. The Royal Athenauem frontage
143 This "Elevation to Union Street of the buildings proposed to be erected by Mr Brown" dates from January 26th 1822 and was realised by Archibald Simpson.
This early variant of the design of the Athenaeum frontage shows how the architect had initially planned to space the windows. Floor plan of the Athenaeum
144 The frontage of this four-storey building is dominated by three tall windows, separated by four giant Ionic columns surmounted by a huge architrave.
The library and the reading room were located on the first floor with associated facilities.
Arches on the ground floor formed the entrance of the Athenaeum. The entrance hall led to an elegant staircase that climbed up to the reading room. On the first floor, this room was 50ft. long and 30ft. high. Its two circular recesses were separated by the main room by tall columns.
The reading room was decorated simply in a Grecian style. A café room, 30ft. long and 19ft. high, was also available on this floor. Map of the "Athenaeum News Room"
145 This large scale map from 1871 shows in great detail how "The Athenaeum News Rooms" looked from 1820s. The building, at the East end of Union Street, was a part of a block of early 19th Century buildings knows as "Union Buildings".
The Town House can be seen on its left, with the spire of the Tolbooth to the right.
Map of the "Royal Aberdeen Hotel"
146 This map shows the change that occurred between 1870s and the end of the 19th Century.
The Athenaeum is now a hotel-restaurant and the whole of Castle Street saw important improvements. Tramways lines can be seen on the streets. Castle Street and the Royal Athenaeum
147 Gibb. & Hay. Lithographers to Her Majesty, Aberdeen. The drawing is most likely by Curtis Green. |