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Visit Art Deco Architecture, Visit Scotland

March 19, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Art Deco Cinema, Renfrew, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on one of my favourite architecture styles, namely Art Deco of which there a few extant examples in Scotland.

The Art Deco style emerged after World War I. It was inspired by machines and used geometric ornament and latest materials including plastics and decorative metals like chrome.

Image above shows the Regal Cimema in Renfrew, S.W.Scotland. The building originally dates from 1913 but was rebuilt with balcony in 1929.

Below is the B-listed cinema in Perth, central Scotland. This was built in just seven weeks and dates from 1933.

Art Deco Theatre, Perth, Scotland

Here is the Beresford Building in Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street. This was built as a hotel for the Empire Exhibition in 1938 but now comprises a mix of private and serviced apartments.

Beresford Building, Glasgow, Scotland

The Art Deco buildings are just a small example of the rich diversity of architecture in Scotland, particularly Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Buildings, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Architecture, Locations, Perthshire none

Connect with Traditional Stonemasonry, Connect with Traditional Scotland

March 13, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

: Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland

There is a saying that England is constructed with bricks as Scotland is constructed of stone.

As most tourists will know, Scotland is liberally endowed with stone resources which have been utilised to build castles, cathedrals, churches, houses, walls and more. Aberdeen is called the ‘granite city’ because most of the buildings are built from local granite whilst, on the other hand, Glasgow is largely built of softer sandstone. All around the countryside and Highlands can be seen stone walls (field boundaries) made from local stone and which last hundreds of years.

Stonemasonry is a skill still in demand today especially for reconstruction and conservation work. The images and video shown here were taken at historic, Rosslyn Chapel which dates from the 15th century the interior of which is a stunning display of the medieval stonemasons’ skill.

It is believed that Freemasonry grew out of early associations of stonemasons. The ‘Freemasons’ were outsiders not directly involved in stonemasonry work

Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland

It is pleasing that traditional stonemasonry skills are on view at visitor attractions like Rosslyn.

Buildings, Castles, Churches, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Architecture, Highlands, Locations, Rosslyn, Tours none

Visit Royal Scottish Academy, Visit Scotland

February 20, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, Scotland

This evening, I am posting information on the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture which is located in the heart of Edinburgh, Princes Street, and is home to a wide ranging collection of contemporary art dating back to the founding of the institution in 1826. In the course of each year various themed exhibitions are available for viewing.

From an architecture perspective, the building was designed by prominent Edinburgh architect William Playfair and dates from 1832. During 1833-6 further work was commissioned whereby Playfair improved the balance and composition of the building. Key features include:

A massive, squat Doric temple with a profusion of carved and incised stone.
Statue of Queen Victoria over the portico by Sir Jon Steell.
Interior series of rooflit galleries reconstructed in neo Greek style with reinforced concrete roofs by W.T.Oldrieve dating from 1910.

Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, Scotland

A significant building for those interested in art and architecture.

Art, Buildings, Culture, Edinburgh, Locations none

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