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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. Beach Bathing Station
99 The interior of the Beach Bathing Station, where generations of Aberdonians learnt to swim in the fresh water pool. The Bathing Station was designed by City Architect, John Rust, and opened on 13th July 1898. A distinctive red brick chimney dominated the beach skyline. The Bathing Station was eventually filled in and demolished, the door having finally closed to the public on 11th July 1972. Woolmanhill looking towards Schoolhill
148 Photograph of Woolmanhill taken 1907, looking towards Schoolhill. This image is thought to show the house where Joseph Robertson (1810-1866), the journalist and historian, was born.
For more information on Robertson see the entry about him in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (available online with an active library membership) and an obituary for him can be found in the Aberdeen Journal of 19th December 1866, page 6.
Roberston was mostly likely born at 73 Woolmanhill. He and his family certainly appear to have lived at this address for some time. Robertson is listed at this number in the Aberdeen Directory 1833-34 (D. Chalmers & Co.), page 116. Additionally, a death notice for Robertson's mother, Christian Leslie, features in the Aberdeen Journal of 23rd March 1859, page 5, which gives her address as 73 Woolmanhill.
Exactly which of the shown buildings is Robertson's birthplace, or no. 73, is somewhat unclear. A Press & Journal article on "Historic Woolmanhill" from 6th June 1925, page 5, states "it was in the line of houses that separate Blackfriars Street from Woolmanhill that there was born in 1810 Joseph Robertson, who became the most noted antiquary of his day, the most accomplished that Aberdeen has produced." This would suggest that Robertson's birthplace is one of the buildings on the left.
This image featured in the Evening Express' 'Flashback' feature from 12th January 1985, page 12. The accompany information states "Joseph Robertson, an eminent historian and one time editor of the 'Aberdeen Observer' was born at 37 Woolmanhill - the tall building in the foreground of our picture - in 1810." This slightly vague description could refer to the building on the right of the image or perhaps to the first tall building on the left side of the road. The latter would accord better with other references. Additionally, the buildings on the right were known as Black's Buildings.
The above reference to "37 Woolmanhill" may initially suggest a confusion of 73 Woolmanhill, but the former is not without precedent. In Historical Aberdeen (1905), within an informative chapter on Woolmanhill, G. M. Fraser writes the following on page 149:
"Then hardly less remarkable, either in historical knowledge, or general scholarship, was Dr. Joseph Robertson, whose name appears so frequently in these pages, born in the unpretending house, still standing, No. 37 Woolmanhill. It is strange that in Aberdeen there is no public memorial of this distinguished man."
If 37 Woolmanhill is the correct address, 1950s Ordnance Survey mapping, which includes building numbers, suggests the relevant house may be the one in the centre of this image, of those on left, in the middle distance, just after the building marked as a tea warehouse. Aberdeen Beach and Bathing Station
189 Aberdeen Beach and Bathing Station. The Beach Bathing Station where generations of Aberdonians learnt to swim in the fresh water pool. The Bathing Station was designed by City Architect John Rust and opened on 13 July 1898. A distinctive red brick chimney dominated the beach skyline. The Bathing Station was eventually filled in and demolished, the door having finally closed to the public on the 11th July 1972. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, c.1870
280 An early surgical operation at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The fourth figure from the left is Dr Alexander Ogston, the eminent surgeon. An assistant attends to the carbolic spray worked by hand, as used by Lister for the first time in Edinburgh in 1869. The era of sterilised gowns, caps, masks and gloves with antiseptic of dressings, instruments or even the fingers on which Lister later insisted, had not yet arrived. Aberdeen Beach with the Beach Baths
404 An Adelphi Series postcard showing Aberdeen Beach with the Beach Baths building on the right.
Also known as the Beach Bathing Station, its fresh water pool was where generations of Aberdonians learnt to swim.
The Bathing Station was designed by City Architect John Rust and opened on 13 July 1898.
Its distinctive red brick chimney dominated the beach skyline.
The Bathing Station was eventually filled in and demolished, the door having finally closed to the public on the 11th July 1972. Queen's Terrace
720 Queen's Terrace, Aberdeen. c.1886 This photograph by George Washington Wilson shows the two storeyed granite-built rows of ten houses, designed in the early 1870's by J. Russell Mackenzie, architect. This terrace adjoins the earlier built Rubislaw Terrace, seen in the distance. They were built on the north side of Albyn Place, and are separated from it by balustrading and gardens.These houses, then occupied by the wealthier professional Aberdonians, including advocates, a retired colonel, a sharebroker, and the Secretary of the Great North of Scotland Railway Co. have now been mostly converted for office use. Old Savings Bank, Guestrow
760 Aberdeen Savings Bank was founded in 1815 and had conducted its business in these small offices on the Guestrow until 1858, when the bank was relocated to Exchange Street.
Correspondent Ed Fowler got in touch with Local Studies in order to complete this description:
"Aberdeen Savings Bank was formerly Baillie Alexander Galen's House. Here the first Aberdeen National Security Savings Bank at No.17 Guestrow and perhaps Galen's Court is No.19 as suggested by the larger numeral on the right of the doorway. The building is isolated between the lesser arch of No.15 on the left the and the mysterious Trader's Yard (Galen's Court) on the right. A modest and unassuming structure for the frugal Aberdonians to deposit their spare Bawbees and Mecks." Marischal Street
818 In 1766, the Town Council of Aberdeen acquired a property known as the Earl Marischal's Lodging which had laid unoccupied for a number of years. It was then demolished to allow a street to be built to create improved access between the harbour and the Castlegate. It was named Marischal Street in his honour.
This view of the west side shows the properties at No 46 and 48 and an adjacent church. William Kennedy (1759-1836), advocate, lived in No. 46, where he wrote his two volume history of the city - Annals of Aberdeen.
Next door at No. 48 was the home of Dr William Dyce, father of the eminent artist William Dyce (1806-1864). Both of these properties have now been converted into flats.
The church shown on the left was built in 1881 on the site of the Theatre Royal built in 1795. It closed as a theatre in 1872 prior to the opening of Her Majesty's Theatre and Opera House (Tivoli) in Guild Street. This building is now occupied by the Elim Pentecostal Church. Memorial to Ann Allardyce
1290 Memorial to Ann Allardyce in the West Church of St. Nicholas. The inscription reads, "Sacred to the memory of Ann the wife of Alexander Allardyce of Dunnottar and daughter of Alexander Baxter of Glassel. She was married the 7 August 1786, gave birth to her son Alex Baxter Allardyce the 28th of July and departed this life at Aberdeen the 1st of August 1787 aged 28 years. As a tribute justly due to the Eminent Virtues, Gentle Manners and Personal Accomplishments of a most amiable Woman her disconsolate husband dedicates this monument". John Bacon, London, sculptor 1791. Aberdeen Portraits: Group No. 8
3110 Group No. 8 from Messrs G. W. Wilson & Co.'s Aberdeen portraits series published in 1907. An article in The Aberdeen Daily Journal of 27th April 1907, page 4, states:
"There are few more interesting local pictures than the two groups of photographic portraits of Aberdeen public men which were published by Mr G. W. Wilson in the very early days of photography - in 1856 and 1857.
These groups were selected and arranged by Mr (afterwards Baillie) George Walker, who is one of the very few survivors of the 196 note worthy Aberdonians portrayed; and an animated description of one of them is given by Mr William Carnie in 'Reporting Reminiscences.'
A third group was published 1896; and most of the faces presented in it have likewise vanished from the scene. The happy idea has just occurred to Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. to reproduce these three groups, along with six other groups (containing 100 portraits each) selected from the large collection of negatives taken at the firm's Crown Street studio between 1852 and 1896.
The nine groups thus constitute a collection fairly representative of the leading men of Aberdeen during the latter half of the nineteenth century. They are printed in permanent collotype, and are encased in a handsome portfolio, an index of names also being supplied. But each group can be had separately, and is so mounted as to be available for framing; while copies printed on gelatine paper are also to be had, and copies of the single portraits may be secured.
Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. claim - and probably with every reason - that this series of portraits is unique, no other city having a similar portrait gallery of its leading citizens, covering practically the whole period between the beginning of the photographic portraiture on paper and the end of the nineteenth century." Aberdeen Portraits: Group No. 9
3111 Group No. 9 from Messrs G. W. Wilson & Co.'s Aberdeen portraits series published in 1907. An article in The Aberdeen Daily Journal of 27th April 1907, page 4, states:
"There are few more interesting local pictures than the two groups of photographic portraits of Aberdeen public men which were published by Mr G. W. Wilson in the very early days of photography - in 1856 and 1857.
These groups were selected and arranged by Mr (afterwards Baillie) George Walker, who is one of the very few survivors of the 196 note worthy Aberdonians portrayed; and an animated description of one of them is given by Mr William Carnie in 'Reporting Reminiscences.'
A third group was published 1896; and most of the faces presented in it have likewise vanished from the scene. The happy idea has just occurred to Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. to reproduce these three groups, along with six other groups (containing 100 portraits each) selected from the large collection of negatives taken at the firm's Crown Street studio between 1852 and 1896.
The nine groups thus constitute a collection fairly representative of the leading men of Aberdeen during the latter half of the nineteenth century. They are printed in permanent collotype, and are encased in a handsome portfolio, an index of names also being supplied. But each group can be had separately, and is so mounted as to be available for framing; while copies printed on gelatine paper are also to be had, and copies of the single portraits may be secured.
Messrs G. W. Wilson and Co. claim - and probably with every reason - that this series of portraits is unique, no other city having a similar portrait gallery of its leading citizens, covering practically the whole period between the beginning of the photographic portraiture on paper and the end of the nineteenth century." Memorial to Ann Allardyce
116 Memorial to Ann Allardyce in the West Church of St. Nicholas. The inscription reads, "Sacred to the memory of Ann the wife of Alexander Allardyce of Dunnottar and daughter of Alexander Baxter of Glassel. She was married the 7 August 1786, gave birth to her son Alex Baxter Allardyce the 28th of July and departed this life at Aberdeen the 1st of August 1787 aged 28 years. As a tribute justly due to the Eminent Virtues, Gentle Manners and Personal Accomplishments of a most amiable Woman her disconsolate husband dedicates this monument". John Bacon, London, sculptor 1791. Treasure 2: The Edinburgh Journal of Natural History and the Physical Sciences
169 In the library's historic reference collection we have a slim bound volume of 'The Edinburgh Journal of Natural History and the Physical Sciences'.
The journal is credited as being "conducted by Captain Captain Thomas Brown, F.L.S. M.W.S. M.K.S., President of the Royal Physical Society" with the assistance of "eminent scientific and literary men."
The collected issues date from the 1830s and include articles on all manner of scientific topics of the day such as "the chemical composition of native gold" and "porcupine men".
One of the most striking features of the volume is the beautifully illustrated zoological plates that accompanied each issue.
We have chosen to highlight a colourful plate of lepidopterans engraved by James Mayson in order to celebrate the wonderful butterfly book sculpture visiting Aberdeen Central Library throughout July as part of the 'Butterflies on the Move' national tour.
To view more of the zoological plates please download the PDF file located in the Document section of this record or come see the volume displayed in the library throughout July 2015. Treasure 14: What's On in Aberdeen (1960s)
184 What was happening in Aberdeen over 50 years ago?
In Local Studies we have a great collection of "What's On in Aberdeen guides", the earliest of which is an "Aberdeen Events" leaflet covering March to August 1952. Our collection does have a few gaps but continues from the 1950s right through to 2008.
From the guides we get a fascinating insight into the variety of events and activities throughout the decades available to both Aberdonians and visitors.
What can you find listed in the What's On? - Cinema and Theatre guide, Dancing, General events and information, Holiday attractions, City Parks, Musical events, Sport, Highland Games & Agricultural Shows in and around Aberdeen, Places of interest, Club programmes and always a city map to help you find your way around. Plenty to choose from!
The events leaflet was published by Aberdeen Corporation Publicity Department who from March 1956, renamed the publication "What's On?" and changed the style and format to the colour booklet we can see in the image. The booklet now also included advertisements for shops, restaurants, hotels, and businesses all of which contribute to building up a picture of the social, economic and retail scene in Aberdeen back then.
From November 1969 a more slender version of the guide was produced and published by different departments of the City Council - Public Relations, Information & Tourism, and Development & Tourism - until April 1989 when the Aberdeen Tourist Board took it on.
From 2000 onwards it was commercially published as "Your Ideal Guide to What's On in and around Aberdeen" and ceased publication round about 2008.
Treasure 67: Proposed Bathing Station and Promenade for Aberdeen Beach, 1893
267 We're revisiting Aberdeen Beach again this month as we take a closer look at a lithograph of the Proposed Beach Bathing Station and Promenade from 1893 by City Architect John Rust and Alexander Gibb & Co.
The Bathing Station opened in May 1896 and featured a range of brand new facilities in a purpose-built, red brick building at Aberdeen Beach. Facilities included plunging baths supplied with fresh and salt water, retiring rooms and a refreshment room.
It proved so popular that it had been extended by 1898 to include a swimming pool, water chute, additional baths and Turkish Baths.
Generations of Aberdonians learnt to swim in the fresh water pool. The prominent Victorian red brick building stood overlooking the beach and smoke could often be seen pouring from its monumental chimney stack which dominated the city skyline.
By the 1970s, the building was gradually deteriorating and a decline in use sadly led to its closure in July 1972 before the building was demolished.
View images from our archive of Aberdeen Bathing Station in the Treasures from our Collections interactive exhibition on the touchscreens in Central, Airyhall, Tillydrone and Mastrick libraries. 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. Treasure 86: Bon Accord Christmas Annuals
298 Aberdonians of yesteryear would have been delighted to receive this particular treasure as a Christmas gift. The Bon Accord Annual was produced just before Christmas each year for over 30 years. Linked to the well-known local newspaper the Bon Accord and Northern Pictorial, it was packed full of seasonal treats in the form of photographs, adverts, short stories, poems, recipes and articles.
The Bon Accord Annual provided a round-up of the year's happenings and included a multitude of striking photographs. We are given a revealing glimpse into all aspects of local life at the time. The annual was filled with photographs and text covering graduations, amateur drama events, the arts scene, visits from the Royal Family, council elections, personal achievements, obituaries of prominent citizens, the church, the cinema, clubs, societies and weddings. The impression gained from leafing through the annuals is that the coverage of local events was far ranging and no occurrence was too insignificant to be recorded.
Issues of the Bon Accord and Northern Pictorial from 1926-1952 are available to the public for searching on microfilm in the Central Library. Our Local Studies department also holds Bon-Accord and Northern Pictorial holiday numbers; Bon Accord Highland Show Souvenirs for 1928 and 1935 and the Bon Accord Silver Jubilee number from 1935.
Find out more about the annuals and the Bon Accord and Northern Pictorial in the Treasures from our Collections interactive exhibition on the touchscreen. Treasure 95: Todd Family Album, 1858-1865
314 This treasure is a family photograph album of the Todd family covering the years 1858 to 1865. The photographs were taken by James Joseph Todd (1834-1904) and the album was donated to the library by Lorna L. Todd, née Lawrence, (1886-1971).
Lorna was the wife of Reginald Todd (1868-1948), the second child of James Joseph Todd and Ann Hogarth (1845-1882).
During the years covered in the album the Todd family lived at Maryculter House on the banks of the River Dee. The head of the family was Thomas Todd (1803-1868). He came to Aberdeen in 1849 and became one of the principal partners in the firm of Alexander Hadden & Sons, manufacturers in the Green, with his brother in law James F. Hadden.
Thomas was born in London in 1803. His father, Joseph Todd Snr., began his working life as a haberdasher and silk mercer and steadily became one of the wealthiest men in the country.
The Todd family owned Twickenham Park estate and had architect L. W. Lloyd design a large mansion there by the side of the River Thames that was completed in 1828.
The album documents not just the Todd family, and connected families like the Haddens and Hogarths, but also includes other prominent Aberdonians such as Sir Andrew Leith Hay and Hugh Leslie of Powis. They appear to have been photographed during visits to Maryculter House.
View our Treasures exhibition on the interactive screen to find out more about this early example of portrait photography Treasure 125: Tivoli Posters
348 In 2017, we celebrate 145 years since the Tivoli Theatre was built. Known at that time as Her Majesty's Theatre, this place of entertainment delighted generations of Aberdonians with its shows by artists well known on local and national scales. Many companies used to come back season after season, receiving a warm welcome every time from an enthusiastic audience. Over the years, Aberdeen City Libraries has built up a varied collection of many posters and ephemera of this extraordinary theatre.
Showcasing these posters allows us to look closer into the history of one of Aberdeen's most famous cultural venues.
To see some more posters from the Tivoli and learn about its rich history, check out our interactive exhibition on the touchscreen! Fellow-Electors! Beware!!
503 This broadside dating 25th June 1832 carries the signature of "An Elector". It is a warning to his fellow citizens against placards that would confuse their ideas and cause a delay in making up their minds for the upcoming elections.
The choice was between the two candidates Provost Hadden and Mr Alex Bannerman. The Elector invites Aberdonians not to be distracted by "another Mr Ross" (Horatio Ross), who was a Member of Parliament for the Aberdeen boroughs in 1831 and for Montrose in 1832, and was at one point touted as a contender for the new Aberdeen constituency.
This broadside, published by the reformist G. Cornwell of Cruden's Court, 22 Broad Street, was pro-Bannerman. Eventually, Bannerman was elected unopposed as the Aberdeen's constituency's first Member of Parliament following the Scottish Reform Act passed in autumn 1832. |