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Statue of Queen Victoria
73 A photograph showing the statue of Queen Victoria at the junction of Union Street and St. Nicholas Street. The building in the background is the Clydesdale Bank that stands next to M&S today. This fine Italian renaissance style building was originally constructed for the Town and County Bank and opened for business in May 1863.
The statue of Queen Victoria was made from marble and was sculpted by Banff born Alexander Brodie (c.1829 - 1867). The origin of this statue is closely related to another Aberdeen monument, the 1863 memorial statue of Prince Albert by Baron Marochetti, now standing, or rather sitting, in the area in front of the Central Library.
Marochetti's statue was augurated by Queen Victoria herself on 13th October 1863 and this was said to the first time the Queen had appeared at a public demonstration following the death of Albert in 1861. The Marochetti statue was the subject of great local controversy and there were various plans for an alternative, superior, memorial to the late Prince Consort. It was at a related meeting that a chap called Alexander Donald, from the Royal Tradesman of Aberdeen, moved "That a colossal statue in marble, of Her Majesty, be erected at the corner of St. Nicholas Street."
The endeavour was taken on by a variety of prominent citizens and funding was raised by public subscription. Brodie, the selected sculptor, worked on an 11-ton block of Sicilian marble for two years to complete the statue. The finished piece is 8 foot 6 inches in height and, at the request of Queen herself, depicts Victoria in Scottish regal attire. The statue stands on a substantial plinth of pink Peterhead granite.
The statue was unveiled and inaugurated on 20th September 1866 by Albert-Edward Prince of Wales, later to be King Edward VII and the subject of another of Aberdeen's notable statues. During his speech at the ceremony, the Prince said "Gentlemen, it has afforded me the greatest satisfaction to attend here today, by the wish of Her Majesty, and at your invitation, for the purpose of inaugurating a statue of the Queen, my dear mother. Her Majesty has desired me to express to you how much she appreciates the motives which have led the people of Aberdeenshire to give this lasting evidence of their attachment and loyalty to her person, of which she has so many proofs, and whose sympathy in her great sorrow has touched her so deeply."
During his visit, the Prince of Wales also received the Freedom of the City and attended the Royal Horticultural Society's Autumn Show, which was then going on in the Music Hall. An extensive account of the unveiling, the Royal visit and the town's celebrations is given in the Aberdeen Journal of 26th September 1866.
After some time at this location, the statue's marble began to show weathering due to the frost and so it was moved to the vestibule of the Town House in 1888, where it remains to this day. It stands at the foot of the building's splendid main stairway. The plaster model of Brodie's statue has also been on display in the Music Hall for many years.
A new bronze statue of an older Victoria, by sculptor Charles Bell Birch, was erected at the St. Nicholas Street location on 9th November 1893 and "the Queen" became a regular meeting place for generations of Aberdonians. To make way for the extension of Marks & Spencer, the 1893 statue moved to its current site at Queen's Cross on 22nd January 1964. Victoria now stands looking east towards Balmoral. Well of Spa
175 In 1615 Dr. William Barclay wrote a treatise extolling the virtues of the Well of Spa and commending the use of its waters to invalids. Then George Jamesone, the artist, while suffering from calculus of the bladder found relief from the mineral qualities of the well. At the beginning of the 20th century, the well was removed and re-erected inside the wall of the old Royal Infirmary at Woolmanhill and water was introduced into it from another source. Later it was moved to a nearby site behind Aberdeen Central Library, beside the Denburn Car Park. Morison's Bridge
1098 This photograph of Morison's bridge, or the Shakkin' Briggie, is reproduced from the book 123 Views of "Royal Deeside" (1903). This volume was printed and published at the office of the Aberdeen Daily Journal and Evening Express, 18-22 Broad Street, Aberdeen.
The photographs that feature in the book were taken by Mr. William J. Johnston of Rockcliffe, Banchory.
William Jaffrey Johnston (1864-1914) was a professional photographer, considered an expert in outdoor photography, and was well known around Deeside. He was also a church organist, latterly with Banchory's South U.F. Church for 16 years.
Johnston died aged 48 on 13th January 1914. A death notice, brief obituary and tribute from the Rev. W. Cowan can be found in the local newspapers of the time.
An article about the release of the album of views can be found in the Aberdeen Daily Journal of 1st June 1903 on page 5. Copies of the book can be consulted in the Local Studies collection at Aberdeen Central Library.
The description that accompanies this image of the bridge reads as follows:
"Cults Bridge was erected in 1837, so that parishioners on the north side of the river might have better means of access to the Church of Banchory-Devenick than the then 'parish boat' afforded. The donor was Rev. Dr. Morison, the minister of the parish. But the growth of Cults has been such that the parish has been re-arranged, and the village has now its own churches." (page 7). Aberdeen Central Library, Commercial Section
1405 In October 1938, a Commercial Reference section was set up in the Reading Room in response to the increasing demand for information on trade, business, banking and technology. In its first year of operation it received over 48,000 enquiries. Aberdeen Central Library, Commercial Department 1980s
1407 A view of the Commercial and Technical Department in the 1980s. The department continued to enhance its reputation at home and abroad with the publication of its 4th edition of the Oil and Gas Bibliography. Central School (Aberdeen Academy)
1458 In 1901, Aberdeen School Board planned to build a new central higher grade school and plans were drawn up by John A. O. Allan for a building on the corner of Schoolhill and Belmont Street. The new school was opened in November 1905. It planned to cater for pupils aged 12 - 15 years coming from all the town's elementary schools, with over 1,000 on the roll initially. In 1954, the school changed name to become Aberdeen Academy, and its intake comprised those pupils who successfully passed their 11+ exams in Primary 7. The school closed in 1969 and the pupils moved to the newly built Hazlehead Academy. The building became a Resources centre for the Department of Education and then in the late 1990s became a shopping centre named "The Academy". Treasure 6: Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen
2275 Enthusiastic gardeners who have spent months, if not years, nurturing their plants have the opportunity to display their efforts at flower shows - usually held in August or September. These events for individuals happen all around the country and have a long history.
Britain in Bloom is the national flower show for whole communities. It was the brainchild of Roy Hay, a horticultural journalist. Following a holiday in France where he admired the "Fleurissement de France", he persuaded the British Travel and Holidays Association (later the British Tourist Authority) to organise a similar competition for communities in Britain.
Although the first competition in 1964 was won by Bath, Aberdeen received a "Special Mention". The city did even better in 1965 when it won the National Trophy. Although it did not win again until 1969, the city then continued its success each year until 1971. However, this achievement led to Aberdeen being debarred from the National Competition in 1972 although it still won the Scottish section. 1973 and 1974 saw Aberdeen winning the National award again, and its record 10th win was in 1998.
A slogan competition was held for the 1968 campaign when the winning entry proclaimed "Aberdeen - Garden City by the Sea".
In order to celebrate Britain in Bloom and Aberdeen's success in the competition we have chosen to highlight our collection of historic prize schedules for the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen's annual exhibition.
The Aberdeenshire Horticultural Society was founded in March 1824 when a meeting of "Practical Gardeners" was held in the New Inn for the "purpose of forming themselves into a Society". The Earl of Aberdeen graciously agreed to be Patron of the Society.
In November 1863, it was announced at the annual general meeting that HRH the Prince of Wales had now agreed to become Patron of the Society and that the Society's name was to be changed to the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen.
The Society's "Prize Schedule for Exhibition" gives details of each of the classes which can be entered, with the prizes which can be won - a sum of money or a cup or medal. In 1920, there were a total of 222 classes and those who exhibited were split into one of four Divisions - professional gardeners; nurserymen and florists; amateurs and working class.
The Schedules also contain the Rules of Competition, the Constitution of the Society and a list of Subscriptions and Donations received - these include names, addresses and amounts given. Our earliest copies of the booklets cover the period 1920 - 1937, although the file is incomplete.
The Society celebrated its 175th anniversary in 1999. To take a closer look at these, and many other Aberdeen historic documents, visit Aberdeen Central Library. Treasure 61: Aberdeen City Mobile Library Service
2379 By 1948 Aberdeen Central Lending Library had issued a total of 388,528 books and the City Librarian reported that it could "barely cope with all the readers which crowd it at its busiest time".
He proposed the introduction of a mobile library service to cater to the growing population in what The Press & Journal newspaper called "new housing colonies" in areas such as Rosehill, Hilton, Middlefield, Stockethill, Kaimhill and Garthdee.
His recommendation was accepted and an order was placed with Aberdeen Motors Ltd for Aberdeen City Libraries' first mobile library - an Austin 30 H.P vehicle.
Over the years, the mobile library service grew and consisted of four vehicles at its peak. Library Bindery
2392 In the 1902-03 Library Committee Minutes, the Librarian reports that a guillotine, "a machine much wanted in the Binder's department", had recently come on to the market in connection with the sale of a printer's stock. It was purchased at auction at a cost of £7.
This picture of the bindery shows the guillotine in the foreground and although it still survives in the Library, it is no longer used. The guillotine features the stamp of J. Greig and Sons Edinburgh, an engineering company based at Fountainbridge, Edinburgh which built machines for the printing, bookbinding and lithographic trades.
Other bindery artefacts which still survive including this wooden sewing frame which was used to stitch the pages of a book together before its covers were glued in position.
Even the Bindery clock, supplied by local company James Hardy and Co., still has a home in the Central Library today. Union Terrace
2498 A postcard showing Union Terrace from its junction with Union Street. The sign for the Grand Hotel is visible on the left. The Central Library and St. Marks Church are visible at the end of the street. The statue of Edward VII is on the right. Aberdeen Central Library
2665 Aberdeen Central Library covered in scaffolding for ongoing repair work to its roof. A banner indicates that the scaffolding was erected by a company called Abscaff. Photographed on 24th January 2018. Horse drawn carriage at Rosemount Viaduct
2861 A four horse drawn carriage leaden with passengers on Rosemount Viaduct. In the background can be seen part of Aberdeen Public Library (Central) and the Free South Church (St. Mark's). The absence of His Majesty's Theatre indicates the photograph was taken prior to its construction and opening in 1906. The mobile library van outside Aberdeen Central Library
3835 By 1948 Aberdeen Central Lending Library had issued a total of 388,528 books and the City Librarian reported that it could "barely cope with all the readers which crowd it at its busiest time".
He proposed the introduction of a mobile library service to cater to the growing population in what the Press & Journal newspaper called "new housing colonies" in areas such as Rosehill, Hilton, Middlefield, Stockethill, Kaimhill and Garthdee.
His recommendation was accepted and an order was placed with Aberdeen Motors Ltd. for Aberdeen City Libraries' first mobile library - an Austin 30 H.P vehicle.
Over the years, the mobile library service grew and consisted of four vehicles at its peak. Union Terrace Gardens: before and after 8
4268 The before image shows the Prince Albert memorial by Marochetti in its wooded garden area. To the rear of the statue can be seen the Aberdeen Central Library, St. Mark's Church and His Majesty's Theatre. Taken on 13/08/2019.
The after image shows the newly created seating area in front of the statue. Two men rest on a bench. On the right, the image also shows use of the Wallace railings in the redeveloped gardens. Taken on 28/07/2023.
This composite image is part of a series by Roddy Millar showing Union Terrace Gardens and its surrounds before and after its major redevelopment. Treasure 9: Sketch of Proposed Denburn Gardens
179 The future of Union Terrace Gardens has been the subject of much debate over the years and its original development also led to much discussion in Town Council meetings and in the local newspapers.
In 1868, the architect James Matthews suggested that the area of Union Terrace should be turned into a pleasure ground for the people and the following year this "Sketch of the Proposed Denburn Gardens", drawn by the land surveyor James Forbes Beattie, was published. It includes the area between Belmont Street to Union Terrace and from Union Street to the Royal Infirmary, Woolmanhill.
The gardens are shown laid out with paths and shrubbery but Beattie has also depicted the buildings in the surrounding streets, including the recently completed Belmont Street Congregational Church. Further to the north can be seen the spire and complex of the three churches built for the West, South and East Free Church congregations in 1843-44. The buildings which remain are currently known as the Triple Kirks.
A pedestrian bridge crosses the railway towards Union Terrace and the row of houses known as Denburn Terrace. These were demolished under the City Improvements Scheme of 1883 which eventually led to the construction of Rosemount Viaduct and would have stood on the site of the ornamental plot opposite the Central Library.
This plan acts as a snapshot of the area and provides an interesting comparison with the modern layout of the streets surrounding the Gardens.
After much discussion and negotiation with neighbouring proprietors, the Town Council sanctioned work on laying out the Gardens on the land between the wooded bank at Union Terrace and the railway. Work began in November 1877 and, when the gates were finally opened to the public on 11 August 1879, the band of Gordon's Hospital (forerunner of Robert Gordon's College) played a "selection of pleasing airs" prior the opening ceremony. The official name was now Union Terrace Gardens but it was more popularly known to generations of visitors as the "Trainie Park". Mechanics' Institute - Library
198 Initially a place of entertainment, the Mechanics' Institute subsequently became a public library on the adoption of the Public Libraries Act (1884).
The Library was the most valuable asset of the institution and was viewed as a necessity, providing significant educational opportunities to its members.
Many of the books within the initial library were donated by members and friends of the institution, such as the booksellers Angus & Co., and the well-known architect Archibald Simpson who provided technical books.
The first Catalogue of books in the library of the Aberdeen Mechanics Institute was published in 1825, with some additions were added the following year. Originally, 800 copies of the catalogue were printed. We hold both the first catalogue and its additions in our collections.
In 1837, the library consisted of over 11,000 volumes of works, mainly relating to science and the arts. It was primarily a library of scientific and technical books but, after just a few years, the Committee discussed the possibility of extending its collections to adult fiction.
The library grew steadily over the following years and, owing to the advantage of a new building and a good library, people joined the classes in larger numbers. When the institute was disbanded, the library's contents were donated to the new public library in Rosemount Viaduct - now Aberdeen Central Library.
Treasure 43: Lending Department Catalogue (1886)
212 To commemorate Aberdeen's first free lending library opening 130 years ago this month we have selected a bound copy of the catalogue as one of our treasures. The hard back volume was presented to the library by the late Robert Anderson. An inscription tells us Anderson received the volume in 1917 from Catherine W Duncan after the death of her brother, James W Duncan, in whose library it had previously resided.
The catalogue was printed by the Aberdeen University Press and comprises of a single continuous alphabetically sequence including authors names, subjects of works and miscellaneous headings. Additionally, the catalogue includes the bye-laws of the Library, a preface, an "Explanations and Directions" section, a key to the indicator system and adverts for many Aberdeen businesses. In his preface, Robertson states "In the preparation of the following Catalogue, the chief aim has been to provide a compendious and easy guide to the contents of the Lending Department of the Library, which readers can take to their homes. No particular system has been rigidly followed, but recourse has been had to whatever device seemed calculated to promote the desired objects."
Baillie Walker and Dr Alexander Bain, Lord Rector of the University, also spoke at the opening of the Lending Department. Bain discussed the make-up of the book stock and the efforts undertaken to create this new development. He gave particular mention to the application of Library Committee member Duguid Milne. Baillie Walker stressed the preparatory work and said that Robertson, the Librarian, turned night into day in his efforts and that it was absolutely necessary that he takes a well-deserved holiday during the summer.
Even at the opening of the new Lending Department there was an awareness that the current building was inadequate. Efforts by the Library Committee to secure new premises had already been underway for some time. At the opening, A O Gill, Chairman of the Sub-Building Committee, stated that "they ought to have something better for the public than the present building, and he hoped that they would be able soon to provide a building suitable for the requirements of this large and populous city."
After much discussion of sites, gathering of funds, and construction work, the purpose built Aberdeen Central Library on the new Rosemount Viaduct was officially opened on 5th July 1892 and remains the home of Aberdeen's Public Libraries to this day. The old Mechanics' Institution has since primarily housed a mixture of hotels and pubs. A reminder of its brief time as Aberdeen's Public Library was found in 1950 when painters decorating the then Bon Accord Hotel uncovered a hidden sign showing the library's old opening times.
Treasure 45: British Association for the Advancement of Science - 1934 Visit Souvenir
214 The British Science Association holds its annual British Science Week in March when a variety of events including talks and activity days for adults, schools, and families are held country-wide to celebrate science and technology.
The British Science Association has evolved from the organisation which was founded in 1831 as the British Association for the Advancement of Science with the aim of promoting interest and research in the sciences, believed to be in decline at the time.
Their annual meetings, held in different cities across the UK during a week in early September, allowed professional scientists to discuss their current research not only with members of other scientific disciplines but also with the general public.
In this Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, it may be interesting to look back at these annual meetings of the Association when Aberdeen welcomed 2000 - 3000 scientists and members in 1859, 1885, 1934 and 1963.
The 1934 visit was even more special because it coincided with the Jubilee of the city's adoption of the Public Library Acts in 1884. A special luncheon was held on Friday 7 September in the Aberdeen Central Library Reference Department when the City Librarian, G.M. Fraser, and the Library Committee entertained 112 invited guests, including the President Sir James H. Jeans, the President-elect Professor W. W. Watts, and about 70 of the more distinguished members of the Association, with representatives of educational, official, professional, commercial and industrial interests of the city. This was believed to be the first time that such an event had been held in a public library and it was regarded as hugely successful.
This attractive menu card in the form of the binding of a book was created by local printing firm Taylor and Henderson at a cost of £9. 5s. 6d. for 120 copies. Catering, including the food, decorations and staff, was provided by the Royal Athenaeum Restaurant at a cost of 5 shillings per head - a total cost of £50 11s. 3d
Having been greeted in the Library Committee Room by Lord Provost of Aberdeen Henry Alexander, the guests were guided by members of staff through the Lending Department to the main staircase which was laid with crimson cloth and decorated with plants and shrubs.
The Library staff were also able to enjoy the day by being treated to lunch at the nearby Caledonian Hotel on Union Terrace, although they were expected to return in time to help escort their honoured guests from the Library.
Guests included Sir Arthur Hill of Royal Botanic Gardens, Miss Olga Nethersole, founder of The People's League of Health, Dr Marie Stopes, paleobotanist, but perhaps better remembered for her work on women's rights and birth control, Sir Josiah Stamp of London Midland and Scottish Railway, and Sir Arthur Eddington, astronomer.
Treasure 46: The Aberdeen Herald
217 When the first weekly issue of The Aberdeen's Journal was published by James Chalmers in January 1748 who would have guessed it would still be in production today (admittedly with several changes of title and ownership) as The Press and Journal.
The monopoly of The Aberdeen Journal, as it soon became, remained almost unchallenged throughout the eighteenth century but the nineteenth century saw the publication of several competing newspapers. Most of these were short-lived but included The Aberdeen Herald, and General Advertiser for The Counties of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, and Kincardineshire, which was published between 1832 and 1876.
We hold the first copy of this weekly newspaper in our collections. It was printed and published by George Cornwall, and was issued on Saturday 1 September 1832. It succeeded an earlier paper called The Aberdeen Chronicle which had been in production since 1806. The Aberdeen Journal was seen then as politically neutral but the Herald is described as Whig-Radical and its opening advertisement states "In fact, the chief object of The Aberdeen Herald will be to obtain a cheap, efficient, and patriotic system of Government".
Since the Herald was published on a Saturday while the Journal appeared on Wednesday, it was able to include articles which would have been old news by the following Wednesday and could also provide updates to news from earlier in the week.
The newspaper cost 7d which was far beyond what an ordinary person could pay and restricted readership to the wealthy. This high cost was a result of taxes imposed by the Stamp Act of 1712 which was not abolished until 1855. Papers could then be bought for 1d and there was freedom to produce mass-circulation newspapers with improved text layout.
The front pages of newspapers, even as recently as the early 1900s, did not contain news stories but were filled with adverts - business, theatrical events, shipping, property and public notices. The issue of The Aberdeen Herald for 21 April 1866 contained an advert explaining the change of name for the town of Inverurie. Local historian, Dr Douglas Lockhart, provides the following account of the town's name change.
The market town of Inverurie was one of the fastest growing places in Aberdeenshire during the mid-nineteenth century when its population increased from 735 in 1821 to 2524 in 1871. Many factors contributed to rapid growth at this time including good communications, initially by turnpike roads and the Aberdeenshire Canal to nearby Port Elphinstone, and from the mid-century it lay astride the railway line between Aberdeen, Elgin and Inverness.
Further advantages were the extensive agricultural surroundings, markets and successful local businesses. Surprisingly Alexander Smith in A New History of Aberdeenshire, which was published in 1875, has little to say about the transformation of the town. However, he wrote a lengthy paragraph to describe how 'INVERURIE was, in former times, written Inneraury, Ennerawrie, and Hennerawie, and latterly Inverury' and he notes that the name meant "the confluence of the river of the margin".
On 5 February 1866 the Council met to discuss what appears to have become a growing problem - mail was being sent to Inveraray in Argyllshire because Inverury was not listed by the Post Office as a Post Town. The solution was simple: "return to the ancient spelling of the Burgh as Inverurie and to memorialise the Postmaster General to have it set down on the Lists as a Post Town". The Postmaster agreed to the name change and the scene was set on 19 April for the Council to discuss advertising the new arrangements. The wording of an advertisement was approved and it was decided to place it in the Edinburgh Gazette, Aberdeen Journal, Aberdeen Free Press, Aberdeen Herald and Banffshire Journal and "to endeavour to get the Railway Company to alter the spelling of the Station in their Tables".
Inverury officially became Inverurie the following day and on 21 April The Aberdeen Herald announced the change of name in the advertising columns of its front page. The Banffshire Journal in addition to printing the advertisement also published a glowing report on building activity in the burgh and noted that "within the memory of living inhabitants [the town] has been thoroughly regenerated".
Aberdeen Local Studies holds files of many local newspapers on microfilm, including the Aberdeen Herald and the Free Press. A digitised partial file is also available on the British Newspaper Archive which can be freely consulted online in the Central Library using your library card. Treasure 74: Kelly's Cats
276 One of this month's treasures showcases some of the most famous felines in the Silver City. Cast-iron and proud in their stance, despite their small stature, the cats silently stand watch over the citizens of Aberdeen as they sit atop the parapet of Union Bridge. These silent sentinels are known as 'Kelly's Cats', named after noted Aberdeen architect William Kelly (1861-1944).
Although some cats remain at their post on Union Bridge, others were removed in the 1960s when shops were added to one side of the bridge (where the Trinity Centre stands). Today, some of the cats can be found in Duthie Park and three were gifted to Aberdeen City Libraries where they have spent many years watching over the staff of the Central Library.
This September sees the launch of The Cat Parade in Aberdeen, a civic art project centred around our Union Bridge cats.
Up to 100 concrete replicas of 'Kelly's Cats' have been decorated by sponsoring organisations, and are being exhibited in the window of Waterstones throughout the month. At Aberdeen City Libraries, we have sponsored our very own cat - decorated by three of our talented members of staff, Meghan, Sarah, and Rhys.
The design of the cat is inspired by the history of Aberdeen Central Library ahead of its 125th Anniversary in July 2017 and is named Valentine after one of our most influential past employees, Miss Emma Valentine, who became the first female Assistant in Charge of the Reference Department between 1892 and 1915. You can view Valentine in Waterstones this month and in the Central Library from October.
Find out more about the history of the cats and the mystery surrounding their true designer in the Treasures from our Collections exhibition on the touchscreen in Central, Airyhall, Tillydrone and Mastrick libraries. Treasure 116: Aberdeen Dance Festival Week 16-20 August 1948 Souvenir Brochure
339 This treasure is a souvenir brochure and programme for the first Aberdeen Dance Festival Week, held from 16 - 20 August 1948, which aimed "to make Aberdeen Scotland's mecca for good dancing". It was staged by the directors of the Palais de Danse dance hall and organised by the managing director, Mr. Ernest A. Bromberg. This delightful brochure describes competitions such as the Novice 3-Dance, Pre-amateur 4-Dance and Team Dancing Championship, gives details of the panel of adjudicators, and features adverts for local dancing schools.
It also includes a personal message from Mr Bromberg who stated "Since the inception of the Palais de Dance it has been my consistent desire to do everything possible to encourage a greater incentive to improve Ballroom Dancing and to provide facilities to make dancing a popular and healthy form of recreation, exercise, and entertainment". The Palais de Dance in Diamond Street was believed to be the oldest principal ballroom in Aberdeen, dating back to the mid-1920s.
In 1965 it underwent an extensive interior reconstruction at a cost of £75,000 with a new lounge bar, rounding of the dance floor from its previous square shape, and a circular balcony to watch the dancers. It became Raffles night club in 1976.
If you have memories of dancing in Aberdeen or any booklets/brochures on the subject, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact our Local Studies department at the Central Library.
Find out more about dancing in Aberdeen and see some fantastic images in the Treasures from our Collections interactive exhibition on the touchscreen. Treasure 119: Aberdeen shops
342 The Local Studies collections in Aberdeen City Libraries include a number of interesting booklets about some of the city's shops such as Esslemont & Mackintosh; Falconer's; The Rubber Shop; and Collie's, which were once so well-known to local customers. The information and illustrations contained in them is enhanced by advertisements which appeared in guidebooks and other publications.
One such booklet was produced by John E. Esslemont Ltd. in 1964 to mark the centenary of their business in King Street. It contains a detailed description of the history and development of the company with photographs of the directors, the staff, and the machinery involved in tea blending and in the manufacture of sweets, which were their specialities. The remainder of the booklet gives their wholesale trade list of teas, sweets and other items. These shops are only a selection of those which once lined Aberdeen's streets. Many other names are now only an historical memory - Isaac Benzie (Arnotts), Reid and Pearson, Watt and Grant, Watt and Milne, Equitable, McMillan's, Strathdee, Mitchell and Muil, A. B. Hutchison, Kennaway, Pegler, Bruce Miller, Northern Co-operative Society (Co-opie), Woolworths, Wilburns, Shirras Laing. Everybody had their own favourites.
Did you work in any of these shops? Do you have memories or printed items you'd like to share? The Local Studies department at the Central Library would love to hear from you!
To learn more about the interesting history of our local shops, have a browse in the Treasures from our Collections interactive exhibition. Books You Can Borrow from Aberdeen Public Library
461 This is the front cover of Books You Can Borrow from Aberdeen Public Library from November 1949. The publication was a quarterly pamphlet created by Aberdeen's library service that was aimed at the general public. It provided thematic lists of recommended titles that had been recently added to the lending stock.
Each number featured an introductory editorial that would provide updates on the activities of the library service or make comment on the subject of books and reading.
Issue number 1 of Books You Can Borrow from Aberdeen Public Library was published in October 1941. It begins with a section entitled 'Introducing Ourselves' by the then City Librarian, Marcus K. Milne. He writes "The issue of a Reading List is an experiment, the success of which depends on the use of the Library by its readers. It will be readily understood that it is only possible to give a selection of the books added to the Library, but the selection is a catholic one and no doubt everyone will find something to their taste."
Published in the midst of the Second World War, early issues of the pamphlet include many lists relating to the conflict; 'The Empire Fights', 'Blue Prints for Peace', and 'Wings Over Europe'. There are also many perennial and more everyday subjects such as 'Days in the Sun', 'General Literature', and 'Photography'. Each issues concludes with a listing of 'Stories for All Moods'.
There are also pages of illustrated adverts for local businesses at the beginning and end of each pamphlet. Companies such as Jamieson & Carry, Balgownie Dairy and Bakery and the Aberdeen Wireless College feature in issue number 1.
The illustrated front cover, showing Aberdeen Central Library, is believed to be the work of Fenton Wyness, the prolific local historian, architect, and artist.
At Aberdeen City Libraries we hold a collection of these pamphlets bound into 2 volumes, dating from issue 1 to number 33 from June 1954. It is likely the publication was stopped after this number, though this is not stated in the final editorial, as one might expect.
During this period, there was also regular, though shorter, listings of new additions to the Library's stock published in the Evening Express newspaper under the Books You Can Borrow title.
Milne concludes his introduction to the first issue with the following suggestion: "When you have finished with this Bulletin do not destroy it - pass it on to a friend, especially if he is not a reader from the Public Library." |