Elphinstone Hall

Last updated

Elphinstone Hall, Aberdeen Elphinstone Hall Wiki.jpg
Elphinstone Hall, Aberdeen

Elphinstone Hall is a large hall belonging to the University of Aberdeen, located at their King's College campus in Old Aberdeen. It is a 20th-century building which replaced the "Common Hall" and is named after Bishop William Elphinstone, the founder of the University. An arcade dominates the front of the building, behind which lie a reception area and then the large, wood-panelled hall with hammerbeam roof. Portraits of founding fathers of the university and other key figures from its history line the walls. A related suite of luxurious rooms called the Linklater Rooms run along the arcade, named after writer Eric Linklater, a graduate of the university. The complex includes catering facilities as well as cloakroom facilities. In front of the hall is a large lawn, which is popular with students and staff of the university in summer. In winter, the university places a large Christmas tree on this lawn. The hall is currently the venue for all University of Aberdeen graduation ceremonies.

Contents

History

Christmas tree outside Elphinstone Hall Winter wonderland - geograph.org.uk - 1626731.jpg
Christmas tree outside Elphinstone Hall

Built in 1931 and designed by architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie (who designed many of Aberdeen's iconic granite buildings), it was designed in a style in keeping with the adjoining King's College buildings and chapel, some of which date back to the 16th century. It also blended with the New Kings lecture rooms on the other side of the quadrangle which were built in 1913 but to the same style. Like all these, Elphinstone Hall was constructed of sandstone (rather than the granite that characterises most buildings in Aberdeen). Stones were used from Castle Newe in Strathdon which was built in 1831 and demolished in 1927. The coats of arms above the arcade belong to some of the benefactors and local bodies. Adjoining Elphinstone Hall are the Linklater Rooms which are home to the "Linklater Collection" of 20th-century paintings, kindly donated by the widow of writer Eric Linklater.

Purpose Today

Elphinstone Hall and Linklater Rooms, seen from tree next to King's College chapel Elphinstone Hall.jpg
Elphinstone Hall and Linklater Rooms, seen from tree next to King's College chapel

It was initially used as an academic and exam venue, and during the mid-20th century acted as a student dining/lunch hall. Today it is still used for exams, but also for large university events. These include conferences, fairs, ceilidhs, student events, and other functions. It can also be hired for wedding receptions and corporate events. Also, since renovation work began at Marischal College, Elphinstone Hall was the venue for all university graduation ceremonies until winter 2021 when graduations moved to the P&J Live. [1]

The hall also provides a focal point for the annual May festival, a highly successful mixed-focus festival drawing famous guests such as the physicist Brian Cox, Pat Nevin and Tony Robinson. It is the location of a number of student-run ceilidhs throughout the year, including those of the International and Celtic Societies, as well as other student events.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Aberdeen</span> Public research university in Scotland

The University of Aberdeen is a public research university in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was founded in 1495 when William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, petitioned Pope Alexander VI on behalf of James IV, King of Scots to establish King's College, making it one of Scotland's four ancient universities and the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Along with the universities of St Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, the university was part of the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Gordon University</span> University in Aberdeen, Scotland

Robert Gordon University, commonly called RGU, is a public university in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. It became a university in 1992, and originated from an educational institution founded in the 18th century by Robert Gordon, an Aberdeen merchant, and various institutions which provided adult and technical education in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is one of two universities in the city, the other being the University of Aberdeen. RGU is a campus university in Garthdee, in the south-west of the city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Exeter Halls of Residence</span>

The University of Exeter offers approximately 6,500 purpose-built student bed spaces for its students. The majority of its residences are located on campus, although 30% of self-catered accommodations are located off-campus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marischal College</span> Civic Building in Aberdeen, Scotland

Marischal College is a large granite building on Broad Street in the centre of Aberdeen in north-east Scotland, and since 2011 has been the headquarters of Aberdeen City Council. The building was constructed for and is on long-term lease from the University of Aberdeen, which still uses parts of the building to store its museum collections. Today, it provides corporate office space and public access to council services, adjacent to the Town House, the city's historic seat of local government. It is the second largest granite building in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King's College, Aberdeen</span> College of University of Aberdeen

King's College in Old Aberdeen, Scotland, the full title of which is The University and King's College of Aberdeen, is a formerly independent university founded in 1495 and now an integral part of the University of Aberdeen. Its historic buildings are the centrepiece of the University of Aberdeen's Old Aberdeen campus, often known as the King's or King's College campus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derwent College, York</span> College of the University of York, England

Derwent College is a college of the University of York, and alongside Langwith College was one of the first two colleges to be opened following the university's inception. It is named after the local River Derwent. Both the original college building and the former Langwith college buildings are Grade II listed, making all of the current Derwent College premises Grade II listed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lawn</span> Grassy court at University of Virginia

The Lawn, a part of Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village, is a large, terraced grassy court at the historic center of Jefferson's academic community at the University of Virginia. The Lawn and its surrounding buildings, designed by Jefferson, demonstrate Jefferson's mastery of Palladian and Neoclassical architecture, and the site has been recognized as an architectural masterpiece in itself. The Lawn has been designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark District, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the original buildings of the University of Virginia and Monticello, Jefferson's nearby residence; this designation is due to the site's architectural and cultural significance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muchalls Castle</span> Castle in Scotland, UK

Muchalls Castle stands overlooking the North Sea in the countryside of Kincardine and Mearns, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The lower course is a well-preserved Romanesque, double-groined 13th-century tower house structure, built by the Frasers of Muchalls. Upon this structure, the 17th-century castle was begun by Alexander Burnett of Leys and completed by his son, Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet, in 1627. The Burnetts of Leys built the remaining four-storey present-day castle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baden-Powell House</span> Conference centre in South Kensington, London

Queen's Gate House, still commonly known by its previous name of Baden-Powell House, is a conference centre in South Kensington, London. It was built as a tribute to Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, and has served as the headquarters for The Scout Association, as a hostel providing modern and affordable lodging for Scouts, Guides, their families and the general public staying in London and as a conference and event venue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Kilda Town Hall</span> Town hall in Victoria, Australia

St Kilda Town Hall is a grand, classically styled city hall, located on the corner of Brighton Road and Carlisle Street in St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. The first stage, never completed, was built as the municipal offices and public hall for the former City of St Kilda in 1890. Many additions, internal alterations, and changes in appearance were made in the early and mid 20th century, while serving as the municipal and social heart of St Kilda. A devastating fire in 1991 seriously affected the art collection and burnt out the hall itself, and was followed by a prize winning refurbishment and further extension. After Council amalgamations in 1994, it became the base for the larger City of Port Phillip, and further extensions and renovations have occurred. The hall within remains popular for numerous social events, meetings and performances, a role it has served for over 120 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teviot Row House</span> Students union building in Edinburgh, Scotland

Teviot Row House, or Teviot, is one of the student union buildings at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Run by Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA), the building in Bristo Square is the oldest purpose built student union building in the world, having been opened in 1889.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christ's College, Aberdeen</span>

Christ's College was one of three colleges in Scotland founded by the Free Church of Scotland for the training of ministers following the Disruption of 1843. The other two were New College, Edinburgh and Trinity College, Glasgow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Architecture of Aberdeen</span> Buildings in Aberdeen, Scotland (UK)

The architecture of Aberdeen, Scotland, is known for the use of granite as the principal construction material. The stone, which has been quarried in and around the city, has given Aberdeen the epithet The Granite City, or more romantically, and less commonly used, the Silver City, after the mica in the stone which sparkles in the sun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culture in Aberdeen</span>

The city of Aberdeen in Scotland has amenities that cover a wide range of cultural activities, including a selection of museums and galleries. There are festivals and theatrical events throughout the year.

Aberdeen University Students' Association is the students' association of the University of Aberdeen, an ancient university in the city of Aberdeen in North East Scotland. It organises recreational activities; provides welfare and employment services for students; promotes equality and diversity of students; advancement of education; and provide facilities and support for student societies and sports clubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Salvator's Hall</span> Residence hall at the University of St Andrews

St Salvator's Hall is a student hall of residence at the University of St Andrews. It lies close to the quadrangle of the United College, St Andrews and St Salvator's Chapel, a foundation which was endowed by King James II of Scotland. The Hall is in an area between North Street and The Scores. Architecturally, it has been described as a "rambling Gothic dormitory".

Aberdeen has been the host of several theatres and concert halls through history. Some of them have been converted or destroyed over the years.

The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is professional body of legal practitioners based in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland, and its surrounding area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Regulus Hall</span> Student residence in Fife, Scotland

St Regulus' Hall is a hall of residence at the University of St Andrews in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is located on Queen's Terrace, nearby to St Mary's College. The hall was built in 1868 and currently accommodates approximately 170 students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milnathort Town Hall</span> Municipal building in Milnathort, Scotland

Milnathort Town Hall is a municipal building in New Road, Milnathort, Perth and Kinross, Scotland. The structure, which is currently used as community events venue, is a Category B listed building.

References

  1. Gossip, Alastair (12 May 2022). "Aberdeen University says moving graduations from Old Aberdeen campus to P&J Live 'essential'". Press and Journal. Retrieved 10 July 2022.

57°9′50″N2°7′30″W / 57.16389°N 2.12500°W / 57.16389; -2.12500