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The old Winter Gardens, Duthie Park
242 The original Winter Gardens was known as the Palm House. It was designed by the then city architect, John Rust (1844-1919), and erected from 1899. It was constructed from St. Petersburg redwood and cost £1,550 in total. It officially opened on 1st August 1900.
The roof of the Palm House suffered extensive damage during a storm in May 1969 and after 70 years of public use the building had to be demolished and rebuilt. The new Winter Gardens was opened by Lord Provost Robert S. Lennox on 8th April 1970. St. Nicholas Church and Churchyard
374 St. Nicholas Kirk and graveyard, showing the new spire after the 1874 fire, which destroyed the ancient tower and steeple of the East Kirk. William Smith, son of John Smith, rebuilt both chancel and crossing between 1875 and 1877. When the present granite steeple was built, a carillon of 37 new bells was installed, cast by Van Aerschodt of Louvain, in Belgium. A further 11 bells were added in 1954, making a total of 48 bells - the largest carillon in Great Britain. St. Nicholas Church West, shown here, was built between 1751 and 1755. Designed by James Gibb, it is a classic example of an 18th century preaching kirk. Building took 4 years and it opened for public worship on 9th November 1755. St. Nicholas Kirkyard is a popular place for family historians, with its many table tombs and monuments. Amongst the famous local names are Archibald Simpson, architect, John Anderson, Wizard of the North, and William Dyce, the painter. Postcard of the Palm House at the Duthie Park
886 The Palm House, the original Winter Gardens, was designed by the city architect, Mr Rust, and erected in 1899. It was constructed from St. Petersburg redwood and cost £1,550 in total. The roof of the Palm House suffered extensive damage during a storm in May 1969 and after 70 years of public use the building had to be demolished and rebuilt. The new Winter Gardens was opened by Lord Provost R. S. Lennox on 9th April 1970. Aberdeen Public Soup Kitchen
1191 Aberdeen Public Soup Kitchen was first established as a charity in 1800 in St. Mary's Chapel in St. Nicholas Church. It supplied a breakfast of coffee and bread and a lunch of bread, soup and a piece of beef or mutton to the needy of the city. In a period of nearly 240 days it supplied over 140,000 servings of soup and bread.
The Soup Kitchen moved to Loch Street in 1838 and this new building was opened by Lord Provost Stewart in December 1894. The ground floor dining room had accommodation for at least 50 people and the tables were marble topped. In 1926, a total of nearly 27,000 meals were provided with funding still coming from charitable donations since few could afford even the two pence (1p) for the lunch.
The building survived major developments in the surrounding area but in recent years its charitable purpose was no longer thought necessary, and it was converted into a café in the mid 1990s. In 2022, the building still stands at 41-43 Loch Street, with the covered walkway for John Lewis and the Bon Accord Centre to its south (to the left of this image). It is occupied by a outlet of the Jo Malone London fragrance and candle store. Aberdeen Central Library Staff 1892
1388 When the Central Library opened in 1892, the staff consisted of the Librarian and Sub-Librarian plus 9 Assistants, a Reading Room Keeper, a Janitor and 2 staff in the Binding Department. A total of 15 compared to 70 in 2012 (120 across the service). Oldmill Military Hospital. A pipe band parades in front of the main buildings. c.1918.
1737 Oldmill Military Hospital was opened on 15th May 1907. The total cost of the structure, including the purchase of the Old Mill, was £130,000. During the First World War, the Old Mill was used as a military hospital and was re-opened as Woodend Hospital in October 1927. A pipe band parades in front of the main buildings. c.1918 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. Stop 5: Aberdeen's First Nursery for Working Women (1871-1874) and Night Shelter for the Homeless (1971-1986), East North Street
2304 In June 1871 a day nursery was established at 13 East North Street for the children of mothers who did laundry and cleaning jobs. It was run by the Aberdeen Association for the Poor, which nowadays is known as Voluntary Services Aberdeen and is Aberdeen's oldest charity. It was for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years. Prices were one child 3d, nowadays 1p, two children 41/2d, for children from the same family and three for 6d. Prices were increased in 1873 as the nursery was not able to cover its running costs. This did not help and unfortunately the doors closed in May 1874 as it was not feasible for the Association to continue to run it at a loss of £60 a year. A Flower Mission was run instead where volunteers made and brought bouquets of flowers to sick women from the East End and it lasted for twenty years. In 1895-1902 nursery was re-established in the nearby 15-21 Princes Street. This is the site of the first night shelter founded by Mrs Hilda Wernham (1919-2002) in answer to what she saw as the very desperate need of the indigent population in Aberdeen. A justice of the Peace and founding member of the Cyrenians Mrs Wernham was a sparky lady with a social conscience and an ability to inspire others. She managed to persuade business people with her persistence and sense of humour to support the venture. Her enthusiasm and commitment have earned her a place in the history of Aberdeen. Her name lives on at Wernham House (pictured), the first hostel of its kind, established in 1986 at 7 Virginia Street by Aberdeen Cyrenians.
Memories:
Ina recalls Hilda Wernham
Alma's memories of Hilda Wernham and Aberdeen Cyrenians 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. Edward Hall
2389 In March 1885, the City Librarian, A.W. Robertson, reported to the Free Public Library Committee that he had examined all the volumes that were to be transferred from the Mechanics' Institution, "and a note taken of any injury or imperfections, or both, that may have been found therein". He discovered that, while many were unsuitable due to their poor condition, others required repairs including fixing leaves and plates, re-attaching books to their covers and mending corners, and believed that this work "could be done most economically and conveniently on the library premises".
Edward Hall worked for the William Jackson bookbinders at the time and was sent by the company to carry out this work, including all the gilt lettering.
After the first six months of the new public library, and the wear and tear on the books "being already large and accumulating from day to day", the library committee were considering the appointment of a library binder to maintain the stock and repair minor faults before the volumes needed total rebinding. In August 1886, Mr Hall was appointed at a wage of twenty-three shillings weekly. Although other binding work was still undertaken by local firms William Jackson and John Avery, the Librarian was pleased to note in his annual report for 1885-86 that "The results of the experiment so far have been satisfactory, justifying the expectation that it would effect a saving both of time and of cost of rebinding".
The library bookbinders' wages and working hours were regulated by agreement with their trade union and in the 1890-91 Library Committee Minutes, it is noted that the Bookbinders and Machine Rulers' Consolidated Union had agreed a reduction in the bookbinders' working week from 54 to 51 hours.
After the Town Council made a resolution that all staff should retire when they reached the age of 65 years, the Library Committee had to ask Mr Hall to retire in May 1935. At this time his wages were £3.15. 6 per week.
In an interview with the People's Journal reporter, he expressed his disappointment that he was unable to complete his 50 years' service, even though he was then 72 years old. The Library Committee agreed that he would receive a weekly allowance of 16/8 (sixteen shillings and eight pence) in recognition of his long and efficient service.
At his retiral presentation, he was presented by the City Librarian, G.M. Fraser, with "a beautiful chiming clock with Westminster and the new Jubilee chimes". Coronation procession, Aberdeen, scenes from historical pageant
2711 An Adelphi Series postcard showing the procession to mark the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary passing through the Union Bridge section of Union Street on 22 June 1911.
The postcard shows the historical pageant section of the procession. A viking appears to be at present and a banner reads "Sir William Wallace". Newspapers from the time report that the procession and pageant was three miles long in total and traversed six miles of the city's streets after starting at the Links.
This image shows the junction with Union Terrace and Union Street and the bridge extensively decorated for the event. The image also shows interesting businesses of the time such as the Union Bridge Billiards Saloon at the back of Belmont Street and John Fraser's auction rooms at 140 Union Street. INTRODUCTION
2873 Aberdeen is home to an estimated 1,020 Poles. This number is gradually growing every year. Although the Polish community has integrated well with the Scots, there is still prejudice lingering. Statistics from 2017 show that Poles were the ethnic minority group in Aberdeen which had received the most racial discrimination. 70% of a total 144 incidents of discrimination consisted of verbal abuse.
It is important to demolish any type of discrimination towards any race to maintain peace within Aberdeen's communities. I believe that in order to do so, we all have to look back at our history together.
Significant relations between Scotland and Poland date back to at least the 16th century. From that time onwards, whether it was fighting together in WW1 and WW2 or making lucrative trades, our relationship has remained fruitful. In this article I shall be writing about our countries' most cardinal points in history. Aberdeen Theatres: Tuberculosis exhibition
3375 Throughout its history the Music Hall in Aberdeen has been used for all manner purposes beyond the performing arts and film screenings.
In March 1912 an exhibition on the infectious disease tuberculosis was held in the Music Hall on Union Street. This striking poster, with the headline "War on consumption", advertised the six-day event and the accompanying series of lectures.
The exhibition was organised by the Town Council of Aberdeen and the National Association for the Prevention of Consumption. The majority of the exhibition was brought to the city by the latter party with local additions from the Aberdeen Public Health Department, the pathological and public health laboratories of the University of Aberdeen and the Aberdeen Mothers' and Babies' Club.
The exhibition arrived in Aberdeen on the 16 March from Dundee where it had been visited by 30,000 people. It had also toured Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Hull.
At the close of the "six day crusade against tuberculosis", Lord Provost Maitland described the exhibition and lecture series as "Magnificent" and local paper The Aberdeen Journal stated that the success of the event, "judged by popularity, is beyond all doubt." In total 39,960 attended over the six days, placing Aberdeen behind only Hull which was open for an extra day.
Approximately 20,000 health pamphlets were disseminated around the city, including 15,000 catalogues freely distributed by the Public Health Committee. A copy of this catalogue, which includes an instructive article from Aberdeen's Medical Officer of Health, Matthew Hay, is kept in the collection of Aberdeen Local Studies. Mearns' Quay
3542 A photograph looking east along Mearns' Quay. Multiple trawlers with designations from Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth can be seen along the quayside.
The fishing boat Trustful (BF369) can be seen in the middle distance. The Scottish Built Ships website states that this boat was built in 1906 by Carnegie & Matthew of Peterhead.
The boat's first owner was George Mair Snr & Sons, Portknockie. By 1920 it was registered in Peterhead, for a new owner, with the number PD366. This gives a probable date for this photograph of between 1906 and 1920.
The ornate granite building on the quayside in the distance is one of two Valve House Siphon Outlets of Aberdeen Corporation Sewage Works located on either side of the River Dee.
These valve houses were vital pieces of infrastructure in the Girdleness Outfall Sewerage Works. This engineering scheme, completed in 1907, involved tunnelling under the river to provide a safer outlet for much of a growing Aberdeen's sewage.
An article on the ceremonial opening of the system featured in the Aberdeen Daily Journal of 14th November 1907 on page 7. The complete sewer was 3 1/2 miles long and a total £137,000 had been spent on it at the time of opening.
Due to Aberdeen's growing population, which was approaching 200,000 at the time, a more systematic method was needed to take the city's sewage to the North Sea, as opposed to simply using nearby rivers and burns.
The scheme, which appears to have been primarily designed by burgh surveyor William Dyack, took sewage to the North Sea at Girdleness and aimed to prevent harm to both residents of the city and visitors to the Bay of Nigg.
As the two harbour side valve houses continue to stand, the final drainage works building and the outflow pipe can still be found today to the east of Girdleness Lighthouse. Rev. George A. Johnston, B.D.
3803 A photographic portrait of Rev. George A. Johnston taken from the John Knox Parish Church Book of the Bazaar from 1910. He served as the church's minister from 20th June 1906 until he took up a position at Grange on 6th July 1909.
The souvenir fundraising book features a history of the parish church and its ministers by Alexander Gammie, Esq. ("Ecclesiasticus"). Gammie describes Johnston's ministry as follows:
"Mr. Johnston had a great reputation as a preacher before he came to Aberdeen, but he very soon quite eclipsed his past in point of popularity and influence. From the outset of his ministry he attracted immense audiences, and the church at every service was crowded to overflowing. He stood without a peer as unquestionably the most popular preacher of his day in Aberdeen. And not only did vast audiences gather Sunday after Sunday to listen to his preaching, but membership of the congregation increased at an abnormal rate until the Communion Roll reached a total of considerably over 2000 names. Mr. Johnston's ministry is, and always will be, a great tradition of John Knox's." page 38-39.
As way of example, Gammie gives an extensive account of one of Johnston's services. Gammie goes on to credit the shortness of Johnston's ministry, and eventual move to the less demanding post in Grange, to the burden of work entailed with so great a congregation.
See Gammie's full article in the Book of the Bazaar and the church's entry in his Churches of Aberdeen (1909) for more details about Johnston and the John Knox congregation. Both are available to consult at Aberdeen City Libraries. Winter Gardens
3809 A photograph of the interior of the Winter Gardens at Duthie Park. This image likely dates from the 1970s.
The indoor gardens shown here were constructed as a replacement for an earlier structure on the same site.
The original winter gardens were known as the Palm House. It was designed by the then city architect, John Rust, and erected from 1899. It was constructed from St. Petersburg redwood and cost £1,550 in total. It officially opened on 1st August 1900.
The roof of the Palm House suffered extensive damage during a storm in May 1969 and after 70 years of public use the building had to be demolished and rebuilt. The new Winter Gardens, those shown here, were opened by Lord Provost Robert S. Lennox on 8th April 1970.
This photograph shows a large number of people enjoying a large garden to the east of the building. Duthie Park's lodge and the park's northern entrance can be seen out the windows at the back.
In 2002 the Winter Gardens were renamed in memory of David Welch. He was an influential director of parks in Aberdeen and is generally credited with transforming the city's parks and gardens during the 22 years he held the post.
This image comes from a collection of slides donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department. 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. Treasure 13: Bibliography of Material on Oil and Gas
183 The blossoming of Aberdeen as the 'oil capital of Europe' following the discovery and subsequent development of oil reserves in the North Sea during the 1970s saw the library's Commercial & Technical Department develop a proud local and international reputation as THE offshore department with its specialist collection of oil and gas related material.
The first edition of the bibliography of its material on oil and gas was produced by the department staff in 1978 to promote the library service at Offshore Europe as well as an aid to oil companies and other public libraries setting up their own such collections.
6 editions of the bibliography were produced in total - the last in 1987. All proved to be very popular with a significant number of copies sold. 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 48: Tuberculosis Exhibition Poster
219 In March 1912 an exhibition on the infectious disease tuberculosis was held in the Music Hall on Union Street. This striking poster, with the headline 'War on consumption', advertised the six day event and the accompanying series of lectures.
The exhibition was organised by the Town Council of Aberdeen and the National Association for the Prevention of Consumption. The majority of the exhibition was brought to the city by the latter party with local additions from the Aberdeen Public Health Department, the pathological and public health laboratories of the University of Aberdeen and the Aberdeen Mothers' and Babies' Club.
The exhibition arrived in Aberdeen on the 16 March from Dundee where it had been visited by 30,000 people. It had also toured Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Hull.
The exhibits were arranged in the Music Hall's Ball Room and Square Room by Mr Haughton, the organising secretary, with assistance by officials of the Public Health Department. The exhibition included two full sized model rooms. Living conditions such as good ventilation, fresh air and sunlight were considered vital in combating the disease. A "bad room" was modelled on a real property in the East End of London.
Tuberculosis was a grave health concern at the time. The poster states that "During the past Ten Years in Aberdeen 1997 persons died from Consumption, and 1039 from other forms of Tuberculosis." In a preview of the exhibition from 19 March, the Aberdeen Journal wrote "The object of the exhibition is to draw attention to the enormous wastage of life and work caused by tuberculosis in its various forms; to show how the disease is caused and spread; and to illustrate the methods of cure and the precautions for its prevention."
The importance of the exhibition was further stressed in a later article which stated: "There is no single disease that causes among civilian communities so many deaths and manifests itself in such various forms, and nothing can be more desirable than to bring home to the masses of people how the deadly scourge can best be prevented or checked. In Aberdeen alone the number of deaths yearly from all forms of tuberculosis is about 270, and of these about two-thirds, or 180, are due to pulmonary tuberculosis. The disease usually lasts long, and the number of definite diseases attributable to it at any one time in the city is probably not less than four or even five times as large as the deaths."
The exhibition was opened by the Principal of the University of Aberdeen, George Adam Smith, and was accompanied by a series of daily public lectures by experts on the disease. Each day's lecture was followed by cinematograph presentations illustrating the precautions taken in connection to tuberculosis. The lectures were held next-door to the Music Hall in the Aberdeen Y.M.C.A. Hall.
At the close of the "six day crusade against tuberculosis", Lord Provost Maitland described the exhibition and lecture series as "Magnificent" and the Journal stated that the success of the event, "judged by popularity, is beyond all doubt." In total 39,960 attended over the six days, placing Aberdeen behind only Hull which was open for an extra day. Approximately 20,000 health pamphlets were disseminated around the city, including 15,000 catalogues freely distributed by the Public Health Committee. A copy of this catalogue, which includes an instructive article from Hay, is kept in the collection of Aberdeen Local Studies. Treasure 49: Popular Fallacies Book
220 In 1924 Alfred Seabold Eli Ackermann (1867-1951), member of the Society of Engineers in London, published his book Popular Fallacies Explained and Corrected to explore common beliefs among the people of his time.
Filled with useful information and interesting facts, the book proved to be very popular and was republished many times afterwards. This month's treasure features the third edition, published in 1924, and held in our Reference Collection.
Only 460 fallacies were listed in the first edition. Our copy of the book features 890 new myths and analyses 1,350 in total. In an article published in the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, Ackermann provides details about the book, and describes what he considers to be a fallacy:
"A popular fallacy or error is something which is generally thought to be true, but which in fact is not, and it is remarkable for how long error may continue. It is a fallacy, for example, that a thick glass tumbler can stand hot water better than a thin one" (5 May 1924).
The book explores a diverse range of topics concerning animals, minerals and vegetables, science and technology, domestic environment, statistics, music, the human body, law, weather, and many other subjects.
Popular Fallacies remains interesting even today and reflects the popular myths of the era. In an amusing tone, it "explains in a new way entirely not a few of our long-cherished fads and freaks" (Dundee Courier, 9 November 1907). It also provides an important insight into societal views and scientific and engineering discoveries of the 19th and 20th Century.
British newspapers were very enthusiastic when the book was first published in 1907. The Framlingham Weekly News in Suffolk, England reported that: "[it] is remarkable to a student to notice how false notions gain currency and become unquestionably accepted as though they had behind them all the weight of the law, natural or man-made as the case may be." (26 October 1907).
Ackermann revised the book between the first and the third version. He also added new categories, such as astronomy, geography, etymology and a biography of famous people.
Treasure 68: Select Views of Edinburgh, from original paintings by Lieutenant Colonel Batty, 1831
268 To coincide with the Edinburgh International Festival, we are showcasing our collection of engravings and etchings of the city by early Victorian artists.
The engravings are extracted from Select views of some of the principal cities of Europe. From Original paintings by Lieutenant Colonel Batty which was published in January 1831 by Moon, Boys and Graves, known as the "printsellers [sic] to the King" and initially sold for £7.
Robert Batty (1789-1848) was an army officer and an artist who recorded and illustrated his many experiences of active service. Select Views are compiled of etchings and notes from his time spent serving abroad in cities such as Gibraltar, Lisbon, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Brussels and Antwerp. In total, seven plates of Edinburgh were presented in the volume. Each plate is accompanied by a descriptive text published both in English and in French.
Many local and London-based artists contributed to the volume including Edward Goodall (1795-1870), W.R. Smith (active 1826-1852), George Cooke (1781-1834), and William John Cooke (ca. 1796-1865). The plates portray Edinburgh from different viewpoints with many featuring the city's iconic castle and skyline.
The collection depicts Scotland's capital through the eyes of 19th Century artists, residents and visitors to the city of Edinburgh and reflects the artistic style and techniques of Victorian Britain.
Find out more about the Victorian artists behind the engravings in the Treasures from our Collections interactive exhibition on our touchscreens. Treasure 75: Official Opening Ceremony of Kincorth Youth and Community Centre Programme,1968
277 The residents of Kincorth will have at least two reasons to celebrate in 2017 - it will be 80 years since the winner of the design competition for the layout of Kincorth Estate was announced (in August 1937) and also 50 years since the opening of Kincorth Library.
Kincorth Branch Library was opened as part of the complex including Kincorth Youth and Community Centre and Kincorth health clinic. Although it shared a common entrance with the Community Centre, it was a self-contained unit with a Lending Library, a mezzanine Reference Library, and a Children's Library, and cost approximately £21,000 to build and equip. It had a stock of 12,000 books.
By the end of the first year, 64,000 books had been borrowed and in the following year, the total was 110,722 books.
This month's treasure from the library archive is the souvenir booklet produced for the official opening ceremony of the Youth and Community Centre by Lord Birsay on 8 January 1968. The distinctive octagonal-shaped library building on Provost Watt Drive is shown on the plan featured in the booklet.
View the touchscreen next to the Information Desk to find out more about the developments of Kincorth Library over the years. Treasure 84: The Silver Book
296 2016 marks 80 years since the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary opened at Foresterhill. The new Infirmary cost a total of £535,000 and was opened on 23 September by the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and the Queen Mother. The opening of the Infirmary marked the completion of the Joint Hospital Scheme and a major milestone in Aberdeen medical history.
A crucial factor in the ultimate success of the Joint Hospital Scheme was fundraising undertaken by Andrew Lewis, Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1925 to 1929. A keen supporter of the Scheme, Lewis' fundraising appeal was launched in March 1927 and raised £130,000 within a matter of days.
The Silver Book was the contribution from the proprietors of Aberdeen Bon-Accord and Northern Pictorial newspaper to help the appeal reach its £400,000 target. The book was published by Henry Munro Ltd. and is in an attractive volume, rich in local and medical history. It contains a large number of adverts for local and national businesses in the front and back pages.
The book features a letter of support from then Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, followed by other messages of goodwill from Lord and Lady Provost Lewis, the University's Principal Sir George Adam Smith and other "Eminent Men" including Winston Churchill, Austen Chamberlain, John Buchan, G. K. Chesterton and Charles Murray.
Read extracts from the book and find out about the Joint Hospital Scheme and its legacy in the Treasures from our Collections interactive exhibition on the touchscreen. |