Description

Sir James Gowans, 1886. Sundial, bronze armillary sphere on octagonal base. 8 different kinds of freestone, in 11 courses (see Notes). Red sandstone base and cap Moulded base course; facets alternately polished and recessed and panelled; heraldic shields to facets of corniced cap. Surrounded by cast-iron railings and gate.

Statement of Interest

B group comprises the Masons' Pillars in Melville Drive and the Sundial in West Meadows Park, Melville Drive, both designed by Sir James Gowans. The sundial was erected in commemoration of the opening of the Edinburgh International Exhibition by His Royal Highness Albert Victor, Prince of Wales, on 6th May 1886.

11 courses of stone, each engraved with the name of the quarry from which the stone derives:

1st red stone from Moat Quarry

2nd red stone fron Corncockle

3rd yellow stone from Whitsome Newton

4th yellow stone from Cragg

5th blue stone from Myreton

6th yellow stone from Cocklaw

7th yellow stone from Redhall

8th blue stone from Myreton

9th red stone from Ballochmyle

10th blue stone from Myreton

11th (base of armillary sphere) yellow stone from Redhall

The bronze armillary sphere also acts as a sundial. The facets of the base are engraved with mottoes and homilies on the subject of time, eg 'Time is the chrysalis of eternity,' and 'Well arranged time is the surest sign of a well arranged mind.'

The facets of cap bear shields - the Coronet of Prince Albert, the Arms of the Marquis of Lothian, the cipher of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the City Arms and the Scottish Arms.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17791418

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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  [(Shropshire)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1958)