Detail of Rockville, 3 Napier Road, Edinburgh showing the relief panel of a sculptor at work.

Description Detail of Rockville, 3 Napier Road, Edinburgh showing the relief panel of a sculptor at work.

Date 7/1964

Collection Records of the Scottish National Buildings Record, Edinburgh, Scotland

Catalogue Number ED 936

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 1519316

Scope and Content Written on the back of the mounted print: 'Place: Edinburgh. Building: Rockville, 5 Napier Road' Photographer: 'G N' Date: 'July 1964' Detail of Rockville, 3 Napier Road, Edinburgh showing the relief panel of a sculptor at work, and the construction method of the walls which uses a grid of stone filled in with Cyclopean rubble. Rockville was built in 1858 as the home of its architect Sir James Gowans (1822-90). The structure was built using a grid of dressed stone infilled with rubble and had a tall five-stage tower. The house was demolished in 1965, despite rescue attempts. This shows the grid of stones, with emphasised corners. Beautifully cut stonework forms mullions, eaves and consoles which support the cast iron balconies. A bas-relief of a sculptor making a bust can be seen on the left, above the fish-scale tilework. Rockville was reputed to contain stone from every quarry in Scotland. Its rich exterior was further decorated with bas-reliefs sculptures representing the Arts. The interior was equally opulent, with stained glass, tiled floors, and carved woodwork. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference MW/BR/EDIN/207

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/499590