A sketched elevation of the proposed building designed by architect William Ramage (1819-1866) as an extension for Aberdeen's Royal Lunatic Asylum. The building became known as Elmhill House and was completed in 1866.

This sketch illustrated the Interim report to the managers of the Royal Infirmary and Lunatic Asylum of Aberdeen (1858). A copy of this pamphlet is held in the Local Studies collection of Aberdeen City Libraries. The interim report primarily consists of text by Ramage outlining his amended plans for the building. The amendments were informed by his visits, alongside a Dr. Jamieson, to "several of the most important Asylums in the Kingdom".

Ramage refers to an accompanying set of four plans. The interim report only features this sketch and a plan of the main floor, marked as ground plan no. 11. The comments from the committee, that introduce and follow Ramage's report, written by convener David McHardy, indicate that the two illustrations from the pamphlet were drawn up at the committee's request and are separate from those plans mentioned by Ramage.

Elmhill House was designed by Ramage in an Italian villa style with an E-plan layout. The building had three storeys above ground and a basement. The entry on Aberdeen City's Historic Environment Record indicates it was built to alleviate overcrowding at the main Royal Lunatic Asylum buildings at Cornhill. It was intended to be for the care of private patients able to pay a guinea a week or more.

The above site also explains that the building was badly damaged by bombing in World War 2. Though much of the Elmhill House, including the elevation shown here, can still be seen at the time of writing in 2023. A comparable view is given, looking north, from Shaw Road. The building appears to be in use as private housing.

In this sketch, Ramage is identified as the architect in the bottom left. In the opposite corner, the lithographers are given as Keith & Gibb.

Document Type

Plans

Document Reference

MP01_09

Keyword

Hospitals

Collection

Aberdeen Local Studies

Magnifier?

Yes

Public Access

Yes