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.