Harrison Memorial Arch, Observatory Road, Edinburgh

Heritage listing

Category B Date Added 19/03/1993 Local Authority Edinburgh Planning Authority Edinburgh Burgh Edinburgh NGR NT 26252 70824 Coordinates 326252, 670824 — A G Sydney Mitchell, 1888. Red polished ashlar triumphal arch commemorating George Harrison. Central keystoned and voussoired arch spanning road; smaller pedestrian arches to outer left and right; base course; dividing cornice over pedestrian arches; channelled stonework above; blinded balustrades to left and right of pediments. NE ELEVATION: corniced pedestals to 4 engaged Ionic columns flanking arches; commemorative inscriptions inset above pedestrian arches; full entablature with Latin inscription in frieze (see notes); broken pediment over central archway with inset bronze roundel of Harrison. SW ELEVATION: central pedimented archway slightly advanced; simplified entablature. — Inscriptions read: 'This arch is erected 18th Sept 1888 to commemorate the work & character of George Harrison Kt, MP, Lld, whose life was devoted to the public good. Born 1812. Died 1885. Blackford Hill was acquired & opened to the public by the Corporation of the City of Edinburgh 1884. The Right Honourable Sir George Harrison Lld, Lord Provost; In communem municipi rem diligentia in singulos municipes benignitas in omnes homines iustitia et fides'.

From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.