The art of Aberdeen’s iconic building designs

Eight of Aberdeen’s most recognisable buildings will be in the spotlight when a new exhibition opens this week.

The Art of the Building Warrant will celebrate iconic landmarks including the Tivoli Theatre, the University of Aberdeen Student’s Union and the Northern Hotel.

The display will showcase beautifully crafted building warrant plans from Aberdeen’s UNESCO-recognised archive and will run from November 3-25, at 17 on Belmont Street.

The iconic Northern Hotel

Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s lead on the City Centre Masterplan and culture spokesperson, said: ‘The heritage of Aberdeen is a great influence on the future plans for the city and this promises to be a wonderful exhibition which will really capture the imagination.

‘Many of the plans on display will be instantly recognisable but there are others that will give an intriguing glimpse at parts of the city which are far less obvious and buildings which have not survived over time.

The original plans for the Aberdeen police offices

‘In addition to being an important record of Aberdeen’s history, the building warrants are works of art in their own right – showcasing the talent of local and national architect. The Tivoli, for example, was designed by two leading theatrical architects, C.J. Phipps and Frank Matcham.’

The free exhibition includes plans for lost buildings such as the former police offices on Lodge Walk, and transformed buildings such as the Aberdeen Science Centre – which was originally constructed as a public baths.

The stories behind unusual buildings such as an early pavilion at Pittodrie and a circus venue on Bridge Place will also be revealed.

The exhibition at 17 is open from 10am to 5pm each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 1.30-5pm each Wednesday and 10am to 4pm each Saturday.

Original plans for the Aberdeen swimming baths

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