HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS

Historic Context

1710

The History Of Minto House

1849

1876-78

The Argyle Brewery was established in Chambers Street (No 17) by Archibald Campbell, later joined by his son. The Maltings will be part of their site.

Although there is limited information regarding the build date of the Maltings, findings suggest that it could have been around this time.

Free Tron Church at No 22 was designed by Robert Thornton Sheills.

1878 Minto House at No 20 was built by Peter L Henderson for extramural medical classes, on the site of William Adam’s 1738 house for G. E. Lord Minto.

1890s

The brewery at No 17 became Archibald Campbell, Hope and King Ltd as the owners acquired other businesses in Scotland.

1900-1910s

The historical maps show that the church and the medical school were joined as one.

1926

1927-28

The University of Edinburgh acquires the site of Minto

Sir Robert Lorimer did some alterations to the interior of Minto House. At this point, the building is being used as a Women’s Union.

1910s

Proposed alterations to part of the brewery site, including the Maltings. Unsure if these were ever completed.

1950s

1967

1970

1972

1975

The brewery was acquired by Whitbread & Co Ltd from London, England.

The brewery ceased to brew and its tied houses were then sold to brewers Drybrough’s and Ushers.

The University of Edinburgh acquires the Maltings. Ian G Lindsay & Partners covert it for university use, linking the two buildings together.

The Departments of Architecture, Urban Design & Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture are moved into Minto House.

2007

2015

2018

2019

2021

Interiors explored. Largely altered, but with some original features preserved.

Updates in Minto House. Changed flooring and new paint in basement.

Seminar rooms makeover, including Elliot Room and the IT Lab in Maltings. Contemporary

Major internal refurbishment by LDN architects of studio accommodation. Proposal of a new reception space and creation of gallery from disused entrance.

Internal refurbishments of toilet accommodation and accessible entrances by Oberlanders architects.

Creation of new bike store compound within car park courtyard area of the Maltings. Followed by roof access improvements by Lee Boyd Ltd.

Exploring the area when I did the site visits, it became evident that the building’s location can be used to its advantage. By taking into account the context, I was able to propose the facilities that were most appropriate.

A vibrant creative hub, the nearby streets are important connecting routes within the city. For this reason, all sorts of people can be attracted into the building to contribute to a strong, diverse community of locals, students and visitors.

Exterior Photographs

Minto House

The Maltings