General interior view of staircase.

Description General interior view of staircase.

Date 1911

Collection Records of Bedford Lemere and Company, photographers, London, England

Catalogue Number BL 21374

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies B 64705, AB 3180 PO, SC 736810

Scope and Content Main Staircase, Masonic Temple, No 85 Crown Street, Aberdeen Aberdeen's Masonic Temple was designed in 1909-10 by Harbourne MacLennan of the architectural firm, Jenkins & Marr, as a temple and meeting halls to serve the Masonic Lodges and other Orders of Freemasonry in the city. The architectural photographer, Harry Bedford Lemere, was commissioned to photograph the interior in 1911. This broad wooden staircase rises from the entrance hall to the temple on the first floor. The square newel posts are delicately carved, one (right) with fruits and flowers, and are topped with carved wooden figures. The walls of the stairwell and landing are lined with stencilled panels, and a stencilled border runs above the wooden dado panelling of the landing. The origins of Freemasonry can be traced back to the Middle Ages when itinerant masons working in England and Scotland were organised in lodges or assemblies with secret signs for the recognition of fellow members. Modern Freemasonry first arose in England in the early 18th century, and the first Grand Lodge was founded in London in 1716. Other Lodges were formed throughout Britain as social and convivial societies with group meetings for discussion (although women were excluded), often on important social and national issues. In the early 20th century membership often conferred definite business and social advantages. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Medium Glass

External Reference Box 59

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