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, including Portobello’s open-air pool and the Embassy Cinema at Boswall Parkway - many still stand.
We’ve trawled through the picture archives to bring you 10 of the best art deco building you can see in Auld Reekie today.
5. The former George Cinema in Portobello
The former George Cinema in Bath Street, Portobello, was an expansive complex with a skittle alley, billiards tables, and a clutch of shops with a large auditorium. It closed and was converted into a bingo hall in 1972. A local campaign was launched in 2023 to save the C-listed building from ruin after it has lain empty for seven years | NW
6. Suburban home
Art deco in suburban Edinburgh: 30 Old Kirk Road | Google Maps Photo: Google Maps
7. St Andrew's House
Constructed between 1934 and 1939 on the former site of Calton Jail, Scottish Government building St Andrew’s House is regarded by many as one of the nation’s foremost examples of grand art deco. | TSPL Photo: TSPL
8. Ravelston Garden
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