Description

George Smith, 1844-5. 2-storey (4 storeys to rear) 8-bay symmetrical M-roofed former teacher training college with Jacobean/Baronial details. Polished coursed ashlar (rubble to rear). Moulded eaves course and parapet with urns. Windows in tabbed surrounds.

N (JOHNSTON TERRACE) ELEVATION: slightly advanced buckle quoined centre block with finialled curvilinear gable flanked by ogee-topped octagonal pinnacles: paired doors (right door glazed) with sunburst fanlights in chamfered keyblocked roll-moulded surrounds under bracketed cornice and strapwork pediment with thistle detail; 2 windows to 1st floor; oriel in gable. 3-bay flanking blocks: strapwork pediments to ground floor windows; keyblocks to 2nd floor.

W ELEVATION (TO PATRICK GEDDES STEPS): 4 bays with later windows added 2nd bay from left and round-arched windows in left gable; strapwork pediments to original 2nd floor windows; chimney stacks with chequer-set corbelling to left, V-shaped corbel below eaves cornice to right.

12-pane glazing to timber sash and case windows. Grey slates. Corniced end stacks and diamond stalks to ridge.

Statement of Interest

Formerly known as the Normal Institution. Opened 19th May 1845 as a model elementary school for the children of the poor in Edinburgh and for the instruction and training of masters, providing residence for teachers and students. The College was managed and controlled by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. It accommodated 100 students and 500-600 children. Females were only admitted at their own expense as non-boarders until 1849. Johnston Terrace was part of Thomas Hamilton's plan for the new Southern Approach and Western Approaches to the city. Hamilton was appointed architect to the Commissioners of the 1827 Improvement Act, and carried out the 2 major town planning initiatives for which they were responsible - the W approach - King's Bridge and Johnston Terrace, and the S approach - George IV Bridge, and the link to the Grassmarket - Victoria Street. Hamilton was replaced as architect to the Commissioners in 1834 by George Smith. The architectural style specified by the Commissioners for the new buildings associated with the developments was 'Old Flemish,' a variation on Scotch Baronial owing much to the detailing of Heriot's Hospital. The Normal Institution was built on the westmost lot fued from the Commissioners to the Improvement Act 'in line with the new west approach.'

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17812097

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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