Unexecuted design for an obelisk in memory of Sir Walter Scott, perspective view, competition drawing. Also showing Princes Street and St John's Episcopal Church.

Description Unexecuted design for an obelisk in memory of Sir Walter Scott, perspective view, competition drawing. Also showing Princes Street and St John's Episcopal Church.

Catalogue Number SC 466199

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of EDD 214/18 CT

Scope and Content William Playfair's proposal for a Scott Monument at the west end of Princes Street, Edinburgh A competition for a memorial to Sir Walter Scott was held in 1836. Of the 55 entrants, George Meikle Kemp's design was chosen. The original intended site of Charlotte Square was abandoned and work began in Princes Street Gardens in 1840. This design by the architect William Henry Playfair in 1835 for a simple obelisk as a memorial to Sir Walter Scott was to stand at the west end of Princes Street, near to St John's Church. Playfair's design was not executed. William Playfair (1789-1857) earned Edinburgh its label 'the Athens of the North' on account of his many Classical buildings, often on dramatic sites, which adorn the city. His works include the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/466199

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap