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Architecture Notes

Event ID 772645

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/772645

ARCHITECT: Robert Mylne, 1763.

2 floors, upper one being a concert hall, ground floor divided by two transverse sections probably both originally consisting of 3 arches. At the South end 4 thick stone pillars supported landing of upper floor which was gained by 2 staircases. Capitals of the pillars were carved wood. The arched East wall served as a lobby for sedan chairs, etc. In the concert hall the seats were arranged amphitheatrically, a passage a few feet wide running round the outside edge of the oval amphitheatre. Ceiling oval domed. Now in disrepair.

Building superintended by George Paterson, architect.

REFERENCE: SCOTTISH RECORD OFFICE

Organ bought by Edinburgh Assembly Rooms 13th July 1801 and used for concerts. Estimate ?100-200. (from Minutes)

Robert Mylne, architect. William Adam writes that he has seen the concert room and describes it as ugly and squat. Letter to James Adam.

1762 GD 18/4942

REFERENCE: NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

"St Cecilia's Hall in the Niddry Wynd", Glen, 182, Edinburgh, 1899, 80.

Page 5 -Plan showing position of Niddry Street and the Hall;

Page 15 -Reproduced sketch 1899;

Page 19 - From old plan in possession of city of Edinburgh;

Page 23 - From plan of city and castle of Edinburgh, by William Adgar, Architect, 1765;

Page 28 - Ground Floor Plan;

Page 31 - First Floor Plan;

Page 36 - Interior, after 1844 when Dr Bell's School;

Page 139 - Left side of organ gallery;

Chapter 1 - Locality;

Chapter 2 - Building and Name;

Chapter 3 - Architect.

REFERENCE:

Sources: Dean of Guild. Bundle 1812. January-June. 2.4.1812.

Pet. William Inglis, WS and Alexander Lawrie, bookseller and stationer.

Cowgate Street and Niddry Street.

Additions to St Cecilia's Hall at south for Freemasons.

Plan and elevation in poor condition. Signed J Thin.

St Cecilia's Hall was reconstructed in the 1960s and is currently a museum of musical instruments (2009).

Information from RCAHMS, 2009.

People and Organisations

References