When art deco began to emerge, it was viewed as fresh and cutting-edge, providing an elegance without the over-adornment of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
In the 1930s Edinburgh’s architects brought the style to the Capital, and while some – such as Portobello’s open-air pool and the Embassy Cinema at Boswall Parkway – no longer remain, many still stand.
We’ve trawled through the picture archives to bring you nine of the best art deco building you can see in Auld Reekie today.
We’ve trawled through the picture archives to bring you nine of the best art deco building you can see in Auld Reekie today.
5. Ravelston Garden, Ravelston
Designed by Andrew Neil and Robert Hurd in 1935-6, these large 4-storey apartments were originally referred to as the ‘Jenners flats’ on account of their managing agents. In their book Above Edinburgh & South East Scotland, Angus and Patricia MacDonald had the following to say about the Ravelston Garden apartments: “proving that Edinburgh was in touch with the very latest architectural ideas in the 1930s, these flats... were among the first buildings to bring the International Style to the city”. Photo: TSPL
6. Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street
Constructed in 1937-40 by John A W Grant, this grand-looking public building comprises both art deco and art nouveau stylings in its design. The library replaced an early books repository dating from the 19th century and stands out prominently among the surrounding Victorian tenements of Fountainbridge. A refurbishment in 2016 has brought it back to its best. Photo: Edinburgh Council
7. Southside Garage, Causewayside
The former Southside Garage at Causewayside was designed by the acclaimed Sir Basil Spence in 1933 influenced by architectural pioneer R. M. Schindler’s Lovell Beach House in Los Angeles. The building still bears its red ‘garage’ signage in a distinct art deco font and is protected by Historic Environment Scotland with a Category B listing. (Pic: Google Maps) Photo: Google Maps
8. Castlebrae Business Centre, Peffer Place
Located on an obscure little road in the middle of an industrial estate, Castlebrae Business Centre, a B-listed building which was originally built as Niddrie Marischal Secondary School but has since been converted for office use. The imposing central feature above Castlebrae’s main entrance would better suit Ocean Drive, Miami than Peffer Place, Edinburgh. Photo: TSPL