| Description | James Watt jr. apparently founded the Watt Institution at Greenock in 1837, according to J.P.Muirhead. According to Colvin's Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, the architect of the Watt Institution and Greenock Library, Union Street, 1835-1837, was Edward Blore. The drawings here by Burn, obviously include those for designs not used. There are three groups of drawings, which were not numbered. For the first group [previously JWP C4/C16], there is an original wrapper on which James Watt jr. has written:
'Greenock Library. Plans of Ground & Buildings.'
There are 5 drawings and a rough sketch of the ground plan of streets. The drawings were not numbered and are not signed. There are 4 elevations of new houses in Taylor street and Cathcart Street, Greenock, 1827. There are 2 plans of ground in West Blackhall Street, showing the surrounding buildings, both with watercolour, 1834.
A drawing of Greenock Library on vellum, with a design by William Burn has been transferred to the drawings from the second group [JWP C4/C17] to join the other designs by William Burn.
For the second group [previously JWP C4/C17], there is an original wrapper on which James Watt jr. has written:
'Burn’s working drawings of the Greenock Library'.
There are 14 drawings (including the one transferred from the previous group), a specification for work to be done at Greenock Library, 16 February 1829, and a letter from D. Gibson (Greenock), (who signs as James Watt jr.), to William Burn, architect, about plans of the library, 06 July 1830, with a reply from Burn added, forwarding the drawings.
Only the letter is signed by Burn, but the drawings and specification have the address of his office in Edinburgh. There are two sets of drawings, 6 dated 15 February 1828, and 7 dated 22 January 1829. Each set includes a plan of the foundations; sections showing the excavations and retaining walls; a plan of the principal floor; front and end elevations; sections through the building; a plan of the roof, which in 1828 includes a plan of the ceilings in the library and hall. The other drawing in the 1829 group is a back elevation.
The drawing from roll [JWP C4/C16] is on vellum and shows plans, elevations and sections of the proposed library buildings, 21 February 1829.
For the third group, [previously JWP C4/D19], there is an original wrapper on which is written:
'Plans & drawings relating to Greenock Library etc.'
None of the six drawings are numbered or dated. Two of the drawings, are signed: 'for Edw. Blore Esq. Chas. Brown.'
There are 2 pencil elevations, 1 watercolour elevation, 2 ground plans, and 1 basement plan showing heating flues. |