McEwan Hall | |
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General information | |
Location | Edinburgh, Scotland |
Coordinates | 55°56′43″N 3°11′22″W / 55.94537°N 3.189479°WCoordinates: 55°56′43″N 3°11′22″W / 55.94537°N 3.189479°W |
Completed | 1897 |
Cost | £115,000 |
Owner | University of Edinburgh |
Design and construction | |
Architect | Sir Robert Rowand Anderson |
The McEwan Hall is the graduating hall of the University of Edinburgh, in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. It was presented to the University in 1897 by William McEwan, brewer and politician, at a cost of £115,000.Sir Robert Rowand Anderson was the architect.
The design was begun in 1876 and was largely undertaken by George Mackie Watson whilst working in the offices of Robert Rowand Anderson (with the masterplan cleatrly being by Rowand Anderson himself).
The exterior of the D-shaped hall was completed in 1894. The interior, finished in 1897, is built in Italian Renaissance style, and features mural decorations from the hand of William Palin. The central piece of art is a large painted work known as "The Temple of Fame" depicting a great number of philosophers and students. The McEwan Hall organ was built in 1897 by Robert Hope-Jones, and has been rebuilt and modified on various occasions afterwards.
Another striking feature of the McEwan Hall is its large dome. On the inside of the dome is a biblical inscription: Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting, get understanding. Exalt her and she shall bring thee to honour. (Proverbs 4:7).