3-078-025 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Edinburgh International Exhibition buildings, 1890. '...the Machinery Hall, with its whirl and noise, is kept well away from the general exhibits...The general style of architecture suggests the French Renaissance, with a little infusion of the Oriental into the towers and minarets and finials of the building. The main entrance is flanked by two tall towers of an Eastern type, further ornamented by groups of sculpture at the base of the towers. One of these groups represents Invention as applied to land industries, and the other Invention as applied to the sea. In the centre gable is the prow of a boat, surmounted by a figure of Electricity, and on the gables to the right and left of the main entrance are four figures, representing Art, Industry, Commerce, and Agriculture, by Mr. John Rhind, sculptor. The Exhibition will be well served in respect of tramway and railway facilities. From Colinton-road approach to the Exhibition is gained by a covered bridge over the canal, and two covered ways to the main entrance of the building. The joint architects are Mr. W. Allan Carter, C.E.,and Mr. Frank Simon'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.