Architecture Notes

Event ID 842941

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/842941

NT75SE 3.00 77775 54384

NMRS REFERENCE:

Architect:John Baxter 1791 - 94 additions, garden gate & court of offices

James Gillespie Graham - additions after 1816. Design for spire of offices

Richard Crichton 1817 - additions - unexecuted

Ignatius Bonomi & Cory, Durham, addition 1847 - unexecuted

G. Cunningham 1859 - embankment across ravine by lake

J. Cook, C.E. 1835 - Cumledge embankment

"Family of Hay of Duns Castle" by Francis Hay.

The actual additions to the buildings of the Castle began in 1818, completed in

1822. The architect was James Gillespie, afterwards known as Gillespie Graham.

The builder was William Waddell. The stone was taken from a quarry on the

astate at Putton Mill. The carving of the gargoyles was done by John Anderson,

some of the figures were caricatures of men in Duns. The interior wood carving

in the house was executed by John Steel, afterwards Sir John, the well known

sculptor. William Hay, who was then the owner of the house, was an

amateur artist, and he doubtless was resposible for the general plan Gillespie

carried out. It may be added that the present manse in Duns was designed by

Gillespie Graham. William Hay designed the Episcopal Chuch in Duns, based

on a church on the banks of the Rhine, sketched by William Hay when abroad.

DUNS CASTLE DRAWINGS

NMRS Photographic survey of drawings at Duns Castle including designs by John Baxter 1792 and 1794; Richard Crichton 1817; designs and working drawings by James Gillespie Graham; design for additions by Bonomi and Corry, Durham 1847; designs for a tolbooth and for Christchurch, Duns.

Copied 1972 and 1988 Inventory 43

S.M.T. Magazine, February 1934 - text and photographs.

EXTERNAL REFERENCE:

SPGS

Letter from John Steell senior to James Gillespie Graham suggests that young (Sir) John was

working with his father or on his behalf at Duns, while apprenticed to him.

Undated but attached to receipts dated 1821:

Sir,

As above you have Mr Hay's account of goods detered, as my son is unwell today.

I hope you will give the bearer some cash of the above account. Much obliged.

Sir, Your most obedient servant

John Steell.