Bryophytes and Buildings: The McEwan Hall


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The McEwan Hall

The McEwan Hall Designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and located in Bristo Square, adjacent to the University of Edinburgh's Medical School, the McEwan Hall was built between 1888 and 1897 in Italian Renaissance style. The building, originally planned as part of the university's new medical school, was completed 23 after its design and 10 years after the medical school was built. The project, which was refused funding from the government of the day, was rescued by the generosity of William McEwan who contributed the money necessary for its completion.
	Sir Robert Rowand Anderson Sir Robert Rowand Anderson was born the son of a solicitor in Edinburgh in 1834. He enjoyed the reputation as one of Scotland's leading architects at the end of the 19th Century. Versed in architectural styles ranging from 'Scots Gothic' to classical, he created many public buildings of note. These include the McEwan Hall, the adjacent Medical School and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. He lived in Rutland Square and Colinton, was knighted Sir Robert in 1902, and died in 1921.
Sir William McEwan Born in Alloa in 1827, he founded the well know Fountain Brewery in 1856. There can be few beer lovers who have not tried 'McEwan's Export' which is still produced today. He represented Central Edinburgh as a member of parliament. and also gave significant financial donations to the city. This including the money needed to build the McEwan Hall as a graduation hall for the university of Edinburgh.
	A Hall for all Occasions When the McEwan Hall was built it was designed to seat 2000 for graduations, concerts and public occasions. This made it the largest main hall in Edinburgh and was used by the City for concerts and functions. Only when the rival brewing firm of Ushers donated funds for the construction of the Usher Hall did the City move its venue for such occasions.
Eric Vernon Watson Of the many graduates to pass through the doors of the McEwan hall, mention must be made of the eminent bryologist , Eric Vernon Watson B.Sc., Ph.D. (1914-1999) He was educated at Cranleigh School and then proceeded to Edinburgh University where he gained first class honours in Pure Science in 1935. His bryological interests were sparked in Edinburgh and were probably fuelled by a trip to the Island of Barra with the Edinburgh University Biological Society in July 1935. Remaining at Edinburgh University for further studies, he gained his Ph.D. in 1938, his thesis winning the Hutton Balfour Prize for Botany. Dr Watson's book, "British Mosses and Liverworts" still remains one of the best volumes for the identification of these plants in the British Isles.
	Geordie's Breeks The pediment over the East door shows the degree capping ceremony in a stone relief. George Buchanan The implement being used to cap the graduands is reputed to be the original trousers of the famous Reformation scholar and teacher, George Buchanan who is buried in the nearby Greyfriars churchyard.