An architectural plan showing the principal, south facing elevation of a new Aberdeen Infirmary at Woolmanhill as proposed by Archibald Simpson (1790-1847).

The plan labelled as "no. 8", is one of two original elevations for the infirmary presented to the Aberdeen Public Library on 5th November 1908 by local architect, William Kelly (1861-1944).

Attached to the back of this elevation is a letter sent by Kelly to G. M. Fraser, city librarian. It states that one of the elevations is drawn on paper watermarked 1828 and both are signed 3rd April 1832. Kelly also suggests "the egg-shaped form of the dome is a very interesting point."

The Dictionary of Scottish Architects indicates that Kelly worked on additions and extensions to Woolmanhill Hospital on a number of occasions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The handwritten dating of the plan that Kelly refers to in his letter reads as follows:

"Aberdeen 3rd April 1832. Plan referred to in Minutes of the Infirmary Meeting of this date." This inscription is accompanied by the signature of James Hadden (1758-1845), who was provost of Aberdeen numerous times, including between 1830 and 1832.

This building, known as the Simpson Pavilion, replaced an earlier infirmary at the Woolmanhill site. Aberdeen City Council's Historic Environment Record states that construction of the original hospital started in 1740 to the design of William Christall, and it opened in 1742 with 20 beds. This earlier infirmary was demolished following the completion of the Simpson designed replacement.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), in the building's entry on their listed buildings portal, states that the Simpson Pavilion was built between 1833 and 1840 and "is a rare example of an early nineteenth century hospital building, which is largely unaltered to its street elevations and plan-form." The HES description provides much detail on the design, history of the building and its architectural significance.

In the later 19th and into the 20th century, various extensions and additions joined the Simpson Pavilion to create a significant hospital complex.

Aberdeen City Council's Historic Environment Record states that though replaced by a new Aberdeen Royal Infirmary at Foresterhill in the 1930s, Woolmanhill remained in use as a hospital until 2017.

An architectural plan showing the principal, south facing elevation of a new Aberdeen Infirmary at Woolmanhill as proposed by Archibald Simpson (1790-1847).

The plan labelled as "no. 8", is one of two original elevations for the infirmary presented to the Aberdeen Public Library on 5th November 1908 by local architect, William Kelly (1861-1944).

Attached to the back of this elevation is a letter sent by Kelly to G. M. Fraser, city librarian. It states that one of the elevations is drawn on paper watermarked 1828 and both are signed 3rd April 1832. Kelly also suggests "the egg-shaped form of the dome is a very interesting point."

The Dictionary of Scottish Architects indicates that Kelly worked on additions and extensions to Woolmanhill Hospital on a number of occasions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The handwritten dating of the plan that Kelly refers to in his letter reads as follows:

"Aberdeen 3rd April 1832. Plan referred to in Minutes of the Infirmary Meeting of this date." This inscription is accompanied by the signature of James Hadden (1758-1845), who was provost of Aberdeen numerous times, including between 1830 and 1832.

This building, known as the Simpson Pavilion, replaced an earlier infirmary at the Woolmanhill site. Aberdeen City Council's Historic Environment Record states that construction of the original hospital started in 1740 to the design of William Christall, and it opened in 1742 with 20 beds. This earlier infirmary was demolished following the completion of the Simpson designed replacement.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), in the building's entry on their listed buildings portal, states that the Simpson Pavilion was built between 1833 and 1840 and "is a rare example of an early nineteenth century hospital building, which is largely unaltered to its street elevations and plan-form." The HES description provides much detail on the design, history of the building and its architectural significance.

In the later 19th and into the 20th century, various extensions and additions joined the Simpson Pavilion to create a significant hospital complex.

Aberdeen City Council's Historic Environment Record states that though replaced by a new Aberdeen Royal Infirmary at Foresterhill in the 1930s, Woolmanhill remained in use as a hospital until 2017.

Document Type

Architectural drawing

Document Reference

HO01_08

Keyword

Hospitals

Collection

Aberdeen Local Studies

Magnifier?

Yes

Public Access

Yes