SMM+S

jimmcginlay · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:51 pm Post subject: The National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland

Location: 57 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW.

Sculptors: Hew Lorimer and Scott Sutherland.
Architect: Robert Fairlie

Lorimer commenced work on the allegorical figures in 1953 and the Library was opened in July 1956.
Most of the sculpture on the façade including the allegorical figures was executed by Hew Lorimer. Lorimer also executed 'Our Lady of the Isles' on South Uist at this time, working with the stone carver Maxwell Allan so it may be possible that Allan was also involved on this project.
Lorimer was influenced by the sculptor Eric Gill and spent some time working and living with Gill in England. The relief panels which flank the allegorical figures are a little reminiscent of Gill's work and his Stages of the Cross panels in the Catholic Westminster Cathedral in London.

Music

Poetry

The Coat of Arms above the Entrance Door by Scott Sutherland. Sutherland's work looks quite different from Lorimer's and the Coat of Arms always strikes me as looking a little out of place or even from a different time on the Library façade.

Literature

These three panels appear to represent communication, in the forms of Braille, Writing and Sign Language respectively.

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 11:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jim I must have a close look the next time I'm up that way. I believe the signers are showing the letters 'A' and 'B'. I'm sure the braille must say something.

Cheers

Adam
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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

ADP · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 5:56 am Post subject: