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Provost Alexander's Maze
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Provost Alexander's Maze

Historic Documents
David Oswald
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Provost Alexander's Maze
Historic Documents
531
Provost Alexander's Maze
A lay-out plan of Provost Alexander's Maze in Hazlehead Park. The drawing is credited to D.J.A. and dated 10/11/86. The plan has been created by the office of David Welch (1933-2000), Aberdeen's influential director of parks, here credited as the Director of Leisure and Recreation, for what would have been the City of Aberdeen District Council.

The plan states that the maze was opened on 19th October 1935. The total length of hedge is given as 2,318 metres or approximately 1.5 miles. The direct route to the centre is 443 metres.

As indicated by the name, the maze was a gift to the city by Lord Provost Henry Alexander (1875-1940), given as he neared the end of his provostship (1932-1935). The maze was officially opened by the Provost, his wife and their children. An account of the ceremony features in the Press & Journal of 21st October 1935, page 8.

The maze was designed by W. B. Clark, Aberdeen's superintendent of parks, and construction was overseen by a gardener called Mr Shirran.

Alexander intended the maze as an act of gratitude for all the pleasure Hazlehead Park had given to him and his family and as a source of enjoyment for many years to come:

"It had been said in connection with monuments that brass and stone perished. But the sound of joyous laughter of happy youth, which he hoped would be heard in the maze generations after they had gone, would be the best and most permanent memorial."

Document dimensions: 48 x 38 cm.
Plan
PA01_03
Parks
Aberdeen Local Studies
Yes
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