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 no longer remain such as Portobello’s open-air pool and the Embassy Cinema at Boswall Parkway, many still stand.
1. 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
2. St Andrew’s House, Regent Road
Constructed between 1934 and 1939 on the former site of Calton Jail, St Andrew’s House is regarded by many as one of Scotland’s foremost examples of grand art deco. It serves as the offices of the Scottish Government and is protected with a Category A listing. (Pic: Kim Traynor) Photo: Kim Traynor
3. Maybury Casino, South Maybury
Designed by architects Patterson and Broom in 1935, the Maybury Casino originally opened as a roadhouse at a cost of £25,000. Following its closure in 1987, it underwent an extensive renovation, reopening as a conference centre. In 1997 it was bought over by Stakis Casinos. The entrance tower of the casino was designed to resemble the radiator grille of a classic American car. (Pic: Darrin Antrobus) Photo: Darrin Antrobus
4. 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