Playfair, William Henry, 1790-1857 (architect)
Dates
- Existence: 1790 - 1857
Biography
The architect William Henry Playfair was born in Russell Square, London, July 1789. On the death of his father, Playfair was sent to reside with his uncle in Edinburgh. Professor John Playfair, mathematician and geologist and a leading figure in the Edinburgh Enlightenment, took control of his nephew's education. Following his father's profession, the young Playfair studied under William Starke of Glasgow. His first public appointment was the laying out of part of the New Town in Edinburgh in 1815.
Then, after a visit to France in 1816, he established himself professionally by winning the commission in 1817 to complete the unfinished University buildings (leaving the front as designed by Robert and James Adam). He also designed the city's Royal Terrace and Regent Terrace on the Calton Hill estate; the unfinished National Monument on Calton Hill; and, the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery on the Mound. While Playfair's most important works in Edinburgh have been executed in the Greek revivalist or classical style - earning for Edinburgh the title of 'Athens of the North' - he was competent in other styles too. He designed New College for the ten newly established Free Church of Scotland, a jagged-lined rendering of the Gothic style. He also built country houses and mansions in the Italianate and Tudor styles.
Playfair died in Edinburgh after a long illness on 27 May 1857.
Found in 158 Collections and/or Records:
Stairs to Roof of Museum, 10th November 1820
Plan and section of stairs to roof section. Elevation of door to companion
Transverse Section of the Lower Museum, 4th July 1817
Trussed Partition for Chemistry Class, 23rd April 1819
Construction elevation showing timber construction in wall.
University of Edinburgh Comprehensive Development Area: Old College Redevelopment, 1949-1977
University of Edinburgh Comprehensive Development Area: Old College Redevelopment consists of:
- reports and photographs, (1964-1977)
- plans, (1949-1977)
University of Edinburgh: Mound Lawnmarket Comprehensive Development Area: Outlook Tower feasibility study, 1969-1974
University of Edinburgh: Mound Lawnmarket Comprehensive Development Area: Outlook Tower feasibility study consists of:
- Outlook Tower feasibility study report (1974)
- Outlook Tower feasibility study plans (1973)
University of Edinburgh: Mound Lawnmarket Comprehensive Development Area: report, 1969-1974
Wood Trusses for Small Piers of Cabinets in Upper Museum, 13th November 1818
Detailed Section and Elevation of Wood Ornament with construction details for the cabinets
Wood Trusses in Soffit of Gallery of Upper Museum, 27th November 1818
Details showing face and side of truss
Drawing has some damage