Old Athenaeum

Heritage listing

Category A Date Added 06/07/1966 Local Authority Glasgow Planning Authority Glasgow Burgh Glasgow NGR NS 59037 65562 Coordinates 259037, 665562 — Sir J J Burnet and J A Campbell, 1891-3. Eclectic with Renaissance detail, pioneer vertical (elevator) building. 5 storeys and basement, 3 main bays. Ashlar, channelled at ground floor, metal window frames. Narrow gabled northern stair tower. Broad doorway with mannerist window above. 1st floor canted balustraded balcony; above full-height (interrupted by small pedimented window) thin pilaster strips between clasping octagonal piers, rising to small turret; irregular fenestration; some steps between pilaster strips; cornice; octagonal "Tower of the Winds" cupola. Gabled section to S, 2 windows to ground floor. Giant arched central recess rising from 1st to 4th floor; 2nd and 3rd floor windows canted, 1st and 2nd set into metal frames, 3rd floor stone window, corbelled with central aediculed window, balcony above; octagonal piers at outer ends of balcony supporting seated sculpted figures. 4th floor window set under wide, keystoned arch, aedicule with sculpted figure in niche at gable apex; turret at southern angle similar to that of stair tower. INTERIOR: squat-columned theatre interior survives, including seating, simple proscenium. Wrought-iron lift shaft. — An important work by the celebrated architects J J Burnet and J A Campbell, the former Athenaeum Theatre was built in 1891-3. The Dictionary of Scottish Architects notes that this was a pioneering 'elevator' style building where height made the most of the narrow Glasgow plot. It was purpose-built to train drama students and contained a theatre, billiard room, dining room and gymnasium. References from previous list description: B Oct 21 1893. Doak (ed) 1977 No 126. D Wa

From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.