Trust in Dundee. The Newsletter of Dundee Civic Trust. Dundee Civic Trust. Winter 2001/02 Newsletter

Transcription

1 Trust in Dundee The Newsletter of 1

2 Trust in Dundee The Newsletter of Winter 2001/02 Contents 2. Editor s Notes 3. Recent Trust Events 4. DCT in Action 5. Dundee Streets & Thoroughfares 6. Future Events 7. Dundee Institutions - D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd 8. The Hub 9. A Shocking Affair - Conclusion 11. Carbet Castle 12. Do you know this Building 12. Letters to the Editor 12. Stop Press Editor s Notes First of all I would like to acknowledge Jacks tireless efforts in producing the past newsletters. They have been a delight to read, informative and enlightening not to mention being laced with Jack s illustrious humour. Although Jack has stepped back from the production of the newsletter, he still remains on the editorial committee as does Jim Buist and Tom Devaney A precedence has been set, one I hope to continue and if at all possible improve on over the coming year. In saying that, a newsletter and its success also depends greatly on contributions and I appeal for more people to come forward with articles and ideas even criticism, if it s constructive. Remember, the success of the newsletter and website depends on you, so make a New Years resolution get writing! Contacts Chairman Jack Searle 32 Farington Street Dundee DD2 1PF Tel: jack@scottishglass.fsnet.co.uk Vice Chairman Col. Denis Naulty 339 Kingsway Dundee DD3 8LQ Tel: d.naulty@u.genie.co.uk Membership Secretary Alistair Barrie 1 Farington Gardens Dundee DD2 1PQ Tel: alt-barrie@msn.com Secretary Jim Buist 104 Camphill Road Broughty Ferry Dundee DD5 2ND Tel: ann.buist@virgin.net Treasurer Frank Simmers 10 Kelso Street Dundee DD2 1SJ Tel: Events Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk 42 Farington Street, Dundee DD2 1PF Tel: m.s.zeedyk@dundee.ac.uk Public Relations Tom Devaney 26 InveraryTerrace, Dundee DD3 6BS Tel: Editor/Web Master Craig Muir 16 Lawers Road Broughty Ferry Dundee DD5 3TQ - Tel: craig.muir@virgin.net 2

3 Bookmakers against the Odds On a dark and cold Thursday night on the 15th of November a group of members gathered in the Library of the D u n d e e University. We were welcomed by Ylva Smart - Dahnsjo who is in charge of the Library Conservation Unit. The Unit supplies conservation services for Art on paper, books, documents, seals, photographs and maps. As can be seen from this list the primary accent is on paper. but parchment and other materials are also dealt with by the unit. Ms. Dahnsjo opened by giving an outline of the background to the Unit which was set up in 1985 in a small studio in the tower block of the University. It was there that it gained a major contract for the conservation of documents damaged in Perth Library as a result of the flooding of the Museum in This complicated task which involved the freezing of many of the documents in the Christian Salveson food store on the Kingsway, was a major contract and allowed a major expansion of the unit. In 1995 as a result of a competitive bid the Conservation Unit gained government funding of 3/4 million pounds which enabled the unit to occupy the new premises in which it is now situated. Through the quality of its work and range of specialist skills it has gained a reputation as the best unit of its kind in Scotland and as one of the best in the UK. Indeed the Unit attracted attention in the Czech Republic which sent a conservator from Prague to the unit to gain experience. The unit which now has five conservators, works on a contract basis, and is given work from all over the UK. Ms Dahnsjo went on to show us some examples of work in progress which ranged from Bank of Scotland ledgers over 200 years old to a copy of volume setting out the ancestry of the Leslie family and which included a family tree drawn up in It was Recent Trust Events explained that due to the fragile nature of such documents the approach adopted was as much as is necessary but as little as possible. This made obvious good sense in this context but did make me wonder which of our local politicians had visited the unit. A very impressive piece of work was the conservation of the Culross Minute book from the 1600s where only fragments of some pages remained and the unit had created new paper to integrate with these pieces. Most interesting of all were rolls of parchment containing estate records dating from the 1380 to the 1620s. The calligraphy was amazingly neat and even and, moreover, created with quill pens. There were also records from the London School of Economics being worked upon and some fire screens from a National Trust property. The only thing that they could not do much with, due to the poor quality of the paper, was a set of revolutionary political pamphlets from Russia. Strange to think that documents advocating the decay of the state are now in a state of decay. There followed a lively discussion. I think we all left feeling that once again we had found a world class facility in Dundee working quietly away without blowing its own trumpet. How un- Glasgow like! Under the weather in the Overgate, or Bats in the Belfrey On a Saturday afternoon in late October a group of members braved what could only be described as horrific conditions to take a guided tour of the Old Steeple. It has to be said that when we met our guide at ground level the Steeple was warm and comfortable. So was his welcome as he explained that the Old Steeple was now managed as a local attraction by Dundee Heritage Trust. We were given a brief but clear history of the Old Steeple which is mediaeval in origin, dating initially from around It is one of the finest mediaeval towers in Scotland and at its time of completion was part of the largest church erected in Scotland in the Middle Ages. Our tour took us up the Tower but as it did so 3 the effects of a raging gale and heavy rain began to intrude on things. Not much sign of this on the first floor which was the scene, allegedly, of the last stand of the Dundee citizenry when the town fell to General Monk in However, when we finally reached the loft the weather began to sound rather exciting outside but we ignored when we saw a very interesting model of the original small settlement of Dundee set around the castle knoll. When we left to go out onto the top parapet of the Steeple, the rain and wind seemed to have intensified and I can only say that it felt like sailing under Niagara Falls in a gale without an oilskin. Nevertheless it can clearly be described as an experience that one is unlikely to forget. Things were rather better when we retreated to the floor on which the bells are housed but even here there were signs of water penetration and draughts which would have frozen a Highlanders assets. The room below which accommodated the bell ringers was better still and it was very interesting to see what actually happens when the Old Steeple bells are rung. The sound within the tower was quite shattering. I was also interested to learn that the traceried open stone window on the northern facade is not the original but a recreation by Charles Gilbert Scott dating from the 19th century restoration. What was even more interesting to learn was that the original window lies in the grass on the north side of the east roadway in Balgay Park. If the weather was like that in the Middle Ages I would not have been surprised to learn that it had been blown there. However despite the weather it was very interesting and I would encourage members who have not done so to make a visit. Remember you will also be doing your bit to assist the Dundee Heritage Trust in the valuable work which it does in the City.

4 DCT In Action Snippets For those members of the Trust with access to a computer, from January 2002 you will notice that we have redesigned the Website. We have also been successful in attracting financial sponsorship from several local organisations. These include the West End Garage (main subscriber); Servite Housing; Hillcrest Housing; Blackadders WS; Thorntons WS; McMichael, Grieve & Alexander WS; and Ritchie, Dagen & Allen. All of these organisations will have their basic business details incorporated on one of the pages of the website for a period of one year. The Dundee branch of the Dunfermline Building Society also made a financial contribution to the Trust. This valuable cash bonus will assist with the all the Trust s diverse activities including, of course, the ongoing development of the website. Peter Peacock, Deputy Minister for Finance & Local Government has now visited all 5 cities as part of the Scottish Executive s review of Scotland s cities. He acknowledged in Dundee that Scotland s cities had been neglected because for 25 years there had not been a review of policies which affected them. There had been a review of rural policies but cities had missed out. Dundee Civic Trust is watching this space. City councillors unanimously agreed to proposals to reroute traffic heading into town from Forfar Road down Dura Street instead of Albert Street. It is hoped this will allow improved shopping facilities in Albert Street and enhanced pedestrian use. Will we see a revival of Albert Street? Is this a first step towards a revitalised Stobswell? What else has to happen? Give D.C.T. your views. The Planning & Transportation Committee have approved a draft public art strategy for the city. In future major construction projects in Dundee developers will be required to pay a levy of 1% of development costs towards the creation of public art in the development plans. Dundee Civic Trust will be among those bodies consulted. Any thoughts? The International Futures Forum (I.F.F.) is an offshoot from the Scottish Council Foundation and is engaged on a study of the challengesfacing society in a post industrial age. It visited Dundee because, in the words of its director, The city has much to offer in the search to understand how the world is changing. He also hoped that the insights gained by the IFF will prove helpful to Dundee. Congratulations to the four third year girls of Morgan Academy who have produced a video highlighting the problems facing Baxter Park, but also offering suggestions for its improvement. Their further comments next year on progress made at the park will be welcome. Does the Trust hear enough young voices? Dundonians have been urged to offer their views in the consultative process leading to the Dundee Local Plan Review. This will replace the Plan of Responses should be submitted to Dundee City Council Planning & Transportation Department, Floor 15, Tayside House, DD1 3RB, ( ) or local.plan@dundeecity.gov.uk. Public consultation continues on proposed traffic restrictions in the Meadowside and Bell street areas. The proposals are a further step towards the objectives of promoting public transport and reducing car dependency. Good? No? Good luck to the pupils of Charleston Primary school. With the help of the Quality Contact Team and other agencies, including the Civic Trust, they have shown great creative ability in their plan to give the school a make over. More on this in the next Newsletter. 4 Buildings at Risk up-date The current Register has been published over a number of years by the Scottish Civic Trust on behalf of Historic Scotland. This is updated annually has been undertaken by Jane Nelson of the SCT in collaboration with Adam Swan of the Dundee Council s Planning Department for this area. The essence of this activity can be gauged from the following quotations from the SCT s 30 th Anniversary Appeal:- A key element to our approach to conservation is to attract public concern and involvement, a strategy in which the Buildings at Risk Bulletin, plays a major role. Helping us to find a new use for, and thus save, more listed buildings will continue as an un-ending task, highlighting the condition and availability of buildings in danger throughout the country - from cottages to castles, from churches to country houses. Jane Nelson the Buildings at Risk Officer also has stated that since our built environment is the most tangible record of our continuous evolution, we must strive to save and re-adapt the best of our old buildings. Most of these views have found a sympathetic response from members of the Trust. As a result over the past 2 years the Committee has been investigating ways to assist the Scottish Civic Trust and Dundee City Council Planning Department in updating and adding to the database for the Dundee area. Most recently, on Wednesday 28 November 2001, a meeting was convened in the offices of Gauldie Wright & Partners to agree a future strategy to deal with this matter. This was chaired by Bill Cairns and attended by the Secretary and six current Trust members (George Allan, Bill Anderson, Alex Gouick, David Hewick, Ted Khan, and Robin Turner). From this an active group was set-up under the overall direction of Bill Cairns, with George Allan representing the Council and the seven members have agreed to divide the City of Dundee into working areas for inspection etc. This initiative now appears to be making a positive and realistic start and I hope, over the next few issues of the Newsletter to publicise the results of their combined efforts.

5 Dundee Sreets and Thoroughfares - Part 6 by Denis M.Naulty, MA,FSA Scot Hunter St (43 Hawkhill to 50 Brook St). The name connects the Hunter family who farmed in this neighbourhood in the mid-18 th century. The name has already been mentioned in the Blackness connection above. A descendant, David Hunter, built on the land from South Tay St to Hunter St. Kingsway East, Kingsway, Kingsway West (West City Boundary to Arbroath Rd). ( ). James Thompson, the City Architect & Engineer, was aware of the severe traffic congestion developing in Dundee and the need for traffic to bypass the city centre in particular. In 1918, he drew up an innovative plan for a broad tree-lined dual carriageway ring road through the northern suburbs, complete with roundabouts and cycle tracks. He intended that trams would run on its central reservation, meeting with seven radial routes along its length, these starting from the town centre. It is over 5 miles long and circles the city within its limits. It is even busier today with through traffic since its upgrading to trunk road status. Loons Rd (117 Logie St to Alpin Rd). Its name comes from a corrupted form of the loan, a grassy cattle track through arable land. It was on the estate of the Scrymgeoures of Dudhope and marked a boundary line. Lower Pleasance (128 Lochee Rd to Brook St). In the late 16 th century, a pleasance was a pleasure ground or park, either attached to a castle or on its own. In this case, this area formed part of the gardens of Dudhope Castle. Malthouse Close (58 Nethergate). 18 th century Dundee had its maltmen. A malt kiln up this close was burned down in This close also led to the Meal Market, later removed to behind the Town House. The nameplate bears this very old name. Market St (East Dock St to 83 Broughty Ferry Rd). In former times, it was called the Bottlie Brae because of the glassworks in the area. Dundee Glass was handsome ware in the early 19 th century. Local tax and harbour dues caused the industry to dwindle and die. Edinburgh magistrates, on the other hand, gave their glass industry its factory space free and charged no harbour dues. Thus Edinburgh Glass is manufactured to this day. A more modern nickname was Cattlie Brae due to the proximity of the Cattle Market. Mary Ann Lane (26 East Dock St to Seagate) was named after a Dundee whaling ship that was lost in the ice in Moncur Crescent (Dens Rd to 117 Strathmartine Rd). Alex Hay Moncur ( ) was Provost of Dundee from He succeeded his father as jute manufacturer in Victoria Works, Ure St. He served with distinction and popularity as a Town Councillor from Chairman of the first Dundee School Board from 1872 for 15 years, he was also involved in many philanthropic activities and was a generous donor. Peep O Day Lane (East Dock St to 145 Blackscroft). In this area from the mid 18 th century stood Peep O Day mansion, home of the Honourable Walter Ogilvy of Clova, who became sixth Earl of Airlie about The mansion was removed when Dundee Gas Works were built in Dock Street but the name of the old dwelling survived. It is likely that the name described the position of the house as it faced the east where the dawn would first be visible. Provost Rd (Dens Rd to 170 Clepington Rd) was named in memory Provost Patrick Hunter Thoms who belonged to the family of the Thoms of Clepington. Rankine St (121 Lochee Rd to the northwest). William Rankine, a merchant of Perth, had bought that part of the Dudhope estate that included The Law about William Macbean Rankine of Dudhope sold The Law and its approaches to the Dundee Town Council in 1878 for 3,888. This is how the citizens of Dundee obtained possession of one of its most distinguished features. St Vincent St, Broughty Ferry (2 Monifieth Rd to Beach Cres) was named after Admiral Sir John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent ( ) who was given that title after defeating the Spanish Fleet off Cape St Vincent on 14 February This naval battle was fought off the southwest coast of Portugal in which Nelson and Jervis defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet of twenty-seven ships. The British were outnumbered almost two to one, but the disorder of the Spanish fleet cancelled out its advantage in numbers. After this victory the British fleet was able to continue its blockade of Cadiz and to re-enter the Mediterranean in pursuit of Napoleon in Egypt. Stannergate Rd (East Camperdown St to the East). The name is found in charters of the 16 th century. Probably the most reasonable derivation is from Staney-gait or the stony road which was descriptive of the place. SugarHouse Wynd (51 Cowgate to 134 Seagate). Dundee s Sugar- Refining Company was established about Its first manager was Mr Wiedemann who came from Holland to control the business. The Wiedemanns had a son who became a shipowner trading from Dundee. Their daughter Sarah went to London, married Robert Browning Senior. and was the mother of the famous poet, Robert Browning. There is a plaque at 99 Seagate indicating Site of the Birthplace in 1772 of Sarah Wiedman, mother of Robert Browning. Competition from Greenock was too strong and the sugar-refining business was transferred there in Wedderburn Street (153 Strathmartine Rd to 11 Caird Ave.) The Wedderburns were a prominent family in Dundee at the time of the Reformation. The Wedderburn plaque, at 2 Nethergate, marks the residence of this distinguished family of the 16 th & 17 th centuries, many of whom held the office of Town Clerk practically continuously for 160 years. The Scrymgeour-Wedderburn family of Birkhill, in Fife, are descendants. Yeamans Shore (Union St to the southwest) The Yeaman family of Dryburgh, Lochee, was notable in Dundee records. George Yeaman was Provost from and again from It seems likely that he lived in this area. The waters of the Tay lapped this area before land reclamation. Dundee s first permanent theatre was opened as The Theatre Royal here in Source: MILLER, A.H.:1925. Glimpses of Old and New Dundee. 5

6 January Wednesday 16 th Committee Thursday 24 th Public lecture at Abertay University at 7.00pm by Fionn Stevenson of the Department of Architecture, University of Dundee subject a Sustainable approach to building in Dundee Publication of Newsletter February Wednesday 13 th Committee (Secretary to send out agenda and notification of the AGM to all members) Thursday 21 st Visit to the Mills Observatory at 7.00pm March Wednesday 13 th - Committee Thursday 14 th AGM followed by lecture from Mr R Jeffrey on the subject The Second World War and Dundee to be held in the Dundee Arts Society premises at 17 Roseangle, Dundee at 7.00pm Wednesday 27 th - Abertay University at 7:00pm Talk by Norman Watson of the Dundee Courier & Sister Acts Theatre Co.Dundee's Suffragette History This event features as part of the Dundee Women's Performing Arts Festival, which is now held annually each March. Now in its third year, this is the first time that the Trust has been able to contribute to the event. In this novel evening, Norman Watson will share insights from the work he has done on the Suffragette movement in the City, focusing especially on buildings that played a role in this history. We will then be treated to an exclusive taster performance of a Suffragette production that the Sister Acts Company will be staging later in the Festival. April Wednesday 10 th - Committee Committee to procure list of applicants for the Trust s Annual Awards Trust Event to be arranged Future Events - Diary 2002 May Wednesday 8 th - Committee meeting in Duncan of Jordanstone (Committee to nominate sub group to agree/finalise list of applicants for Annual awards) Trust Event to be arranged Publication of Newsletter June Wednesday 12 th - Committee Awards sub group to consider submissions for the Trust s Annual Awards Event to be arranged July and August Annual break for summer Special Summer Events to be arranged. Send out notifications to the designated Award winners September Wednesday 11 th - Committee Saturday 21 st Start of the two day Doors Open Days event and the Civic Reception including the DCT Awards Ceremony (Associated Events to be arranged and all dates to be confirmed!) Publication of Newsletter October Wednesday 9 th - Committee meeting in Duncan of Jordanstone Event to be arranged November Wednesday 13 th - Committee Event to be arranged December Wednesday 11 th - Committee Event to be arranged 6 Newsletter - A review of the Events Programme On the basis of the first half of the current programme it seems that, Suzanne Zeedyk has produced another interesting, balanced and varied programme which should satisfy the majority of the Trust membership and, while earlier audience numbers have been disappointing, recent attendance figures have been more encouraging. The visit to St Paul s Cathedral on Sunday 23 September was the Trust s contribution to this year s Doors Open Day and, for me, managed to satisfy most of the primary interest areas of the Trust. Firstly the talk - an architectural history of one of Dundee s finest buildings; followed by an inspiring recital by a talented, knowledgeable and witty cathedral organist; completed by the Rev Miriam Byrne s talk on the proposed renovations to the building to make it once again a living, useful asset to both church and community. Well not quite complete because after all this activity the sizeable company were generously treated to wine and nibbles a very good evening. In the week following, for the third successive year and by popular demand, Charles McKean was induced to give his Dundee Closes Tour on Tuesday 25 September. Indeed numbers were such that, on two further occasions later that week, Stewart Walker, his former research assistant, was required to provide the same tour. You could wonder whether this could become an annual event. It is hoped that future membership interest in these events can be maintained or increased so, after reading about what you may have missed, why not try to come along to the next event on 24 January 2002 at 7.00pm in Abertay University. If you would like the Events Programme to cover other topics and areas let Suzanne know your particular requirements her telephone number is 01382:

7 Dundee Institutions - D C Thomson & Co. Ltd by Jack Searle The Courier and its publishers are inseparable from the experience of living in Dundee. D C Thomson is in fact a Dundee institution permeating the life of the city. They are also the largest printing and publishing house of its kind in Scotland, printing in both Dundee and Glasgow. Its publications are read all over the UK and even further afield. Indeed I recall that I was able to buy a copy of the Sunday Post in Vancouver to read about Dundee United s Scottish Cup triumph in So it is only natural that when considering an occasional series of articles on Dundee institutions, Thomson s had to be the first choice. D. C. Thomson is, and has been since its inception, a family company. deeply involved with the City. The parent paper of the Thomson empire is The Courier & Advertiser which sprang from the Dundee Weekly Advertiser, started in 1801, and the Dundee Weekly Courier, started in However it was not until the late nineteenth century that the involvement of the Thomson family began. In the 1870s William Thomson who was a Dundee shipowner took shares in the local company which published the Dundee Courier & Argus. In 1866 he took over full control and made his son, D. C. Thomson, a partner with full authority over the firm which was then renamed W. & D C Thomson. Subsequently another son, Frederick joined the firm, setting a precedent followed in later years by several nephews of D C Thomson. All came to the company on the same basis, namely that that they would be fulltime working directors fully involved in the running of the business. As might be expected all the current directors are direct descendants of William Thomson. From the time that the company was established and until the turn of the century there was fierce competition in the Dundee newspaper market between W. & D. C. Thomson, who started the Evening Post in 1900, and John Leng & Co. who at that time published the Dundee Advertiser (founded 1801), the Dundee Evening Telegraph (est. 1877), the People s Journal (1858) and the People s Friend (1869). Although initially D C Thomson was the smaller of the two competitors when, in 1906, Lengs entered into an arrangement to pool the two businesses, D C Thomson was the majority partner. Thereafter the Lengs continued to manage their side of the business for some years until the company came under the full management of the Thomson side. The period up to the First World War following the merger saw the launch of My Weekly in 1910, and in 1914 the Post Sunday Special was started in Glasgow, its title being changed to the Sunday Post in 1919 under which name it continues today. The People s Friend which was already popular in the Leng business gathered strength under the Thomson management. Soon after the First World War the company decided to extend its magazine interests to take up time on presses not fully occupied by newspapers. Thus in 1921 the company entered the children s market with the Adventure, a text story paper for boys, and this was rapidly followed by the Rover, Wizard, Vanguard, Skipper and Hotspur. In 1926, after the General Strike, the Dundee Advertiser merged with the Courier which today has one of the largest sales of provincial morning papers in the world. The only acquisition of a publication from outside the company was the purchase of the Scots Magazine in Originally founded in 1739 it is the world s oldest popular periodical, but in its present form the magazine dates from April 1924 when it was reestablished by the St. Andrew Society (Glasgow) as the official organ of Scottish Societies throughout the world. In 1937 D. C. Thomson launched the first of its comics, the Dandy, and soon after this was joined by the Beano, which still has the largest sale of any children s comic in the UK. The Second World War effectively ruled out the launch of any new publications between 1939 and However the post war period saw a veritable publishing cornucopia emerging from D C Thomson. Victor and Bunty were followed by Judy, Mandy and others. For the teen market Jackie appeared in 1964 and was followed by Blue Jeans, Patches, and Shout. Whilst the primary interest of the company has always been journalism D. C. Thomson have also had a wide range of other interests in the communications field, ranging from television to the internet and have, by a policy of regular updating, remained in the forefront of the development of printing technology. For members one of the most interesting aspects of D. C. Thomson is their Meadowside building at 22, Meadowside. This building has an imposing presence in both Meadowside and Albert Square was designed to replace the D. C. Thomson offices which they had occupied since 1872 in North Lindsay Street. Now a Dundee landmark, the building was designed in 1902 by a London firm of architects, Niven & Wigglesworth. (It should be noted, however that Niven, coming as he did from Angus, did have a local connection). Its red stone facade conceals a steel frame and the tower at the western end was added by local architect Lindsay Gray in The tower, which is reminiscent of early 1900s Chicago, is tied into the original by its red stone facing and heavy rustication of the first two floors. The construction of the main building commenced in June 1904 and was completed by Whitsun The cost of the site and the construction of the Building together amounted to some 60,000. Beneath its Dumfries sandstone exterior the construction of this substantial edifice clearly shows that D C Thomson had decided not only to have an imposing building, but also their determination that it would 7

8 employ the most advanced technology available from the foundations up. Although rock was found at 57 feet below ground level, the soil above was clay and it was therefore decided to use concrete piling to provide a foundation. Although wooden piling had often been used in Scotland the use of concrete for this purpose was one of the first examples in the country. The 150 piles which were28 feet in length were composed of reinforced concrete using local whinstone chips and were driven into place by use of a steam hammer. The piles were made under the supervision of the local agent of Hennibique of Paris who had originated the system. To avoid the risk of fire the building was constructed with a concrete covered steel frame throughout, and a 4' water main provided on each floor. The danger of fire was clearly an important matter to a company using large quantities of paper and employing large numbers of staff. Even the roof was constructed of steel trusses with a covering of lightweight concrete slabs rather than the timber structure which was the norm at that time. The slabs weighed only 26 lbs per cubic foot and were designed to take a slater s nails. Even the partitions used were unusual, as in order to save weight and at the same time provide a completely fireproof system the building utilised Mack slabs composed of plaster of paris and fibre. The slabs were six feet wide and were able to be cut with an ordinary saw. The power for the building and the printing presses was provided by three gas engines which generated electricity. This was done to avoid the dust and dirt associated with coal fired boilers and to obviate the need for a chimney. All this together with electric elevators, pneumatic tube communications and an internal telephone exchange added up to one of the most technically advanced buildings of its time in Scotland. It still remains an important part of the City townscape as we move into the 21st century. Conclusion The final conclusion must be however that imposing as the building may be the real substance of the D.C. Thomson heritage lies in the heads and hearts of the generations of Dundonians who graduated from the Beano and the Dandy to the Wizard and the Rover, and finally spent countless breakfasts reading the Courier and the Sunday Post. THE HUB The photograph on the cover of the Autumn 2001 newsletter was of the Hub. The Hub was a newsagents kiosk situated on the High Street just a few yards to the East of its junction with Reform Street at Samuel s corner. I believe that the photograph was taken around I am guessing this by gauging the age of the man behind the counter who was my father. I reckon that he was in his mid forties at the time but perhaps someone with a knowledge of some of the magazines, or better eyesight than I have can confirm this. The man behind the counter was Robert Lamb and the old man with the bonnet and satchell was called Jimmy Langlands. Jimmy was a retired man who had been friendly with my grandfather and who occasionally visited my father in the shop. 8 The Hub was owned by the Lamb family who also owned the newsagent / tobacconist and sports shop on the north-west corner of Overgate and Lindsay Street, opposite Birrell s shoe shop. My father managed the Overgate shops and his cousin, also called Robert, managed the Hub following the death of his father, Bob. It is surprising that my father is featured in a photograph of the Hub as he was only there occasionally. The Hub was the smallest shop in Scotland, if not in Britain. I don t know for certain when it was opened but think it was probably in the 1920 s. As far as I know it occupied the site of a stairway which served the billiard rooms above. Following an accident in which someone was seriously injured as a result of falling down the very steep stair the stair was closed and the space made into the kiosk. H Samuel s at that time owned the corner site and later bought the premises on the other side of the Hub. Eventually, after years of offering they bought the narrow strip between their shops from the Lambs and expanded to occupy the whole site which they still do today. I believe that the price paid by Samuel s made the Hub the most expensive piece of property per square foot at the time in Scotland. The canopy, I believe, was transferred to a newsagents at Stobswell and remained there for many years. Les Lamb

9 Readers of this article, which appeared in the previous Newsletter, may have been puzzled by the penultimate paragraph. I admit my own shock and confusion even though I wrote the initial article. Someone with editorial responsibilities (let s call him J**k and assume his move to the new editorial board is merely a coincidence!) had grafted on a preamble criticising the new City Mortuary. This was recently built on the site of the earlier Dudhope Power Station, which I had mentioned. Unfortunately, while adding this detail, the names of the two figures in the saga of the building of Carolina Port Power Station were overlooked. As a result the incomplete paragraph should have read as follows - the missing words are in bold type : This venture involved the joint services of the Dundee Corporation s young and highly acclaimed Chief Electrical Engineer and Manager, Mr Harry Richardson and an equally admired City Architect named James Thomson. There appears to have been some acrimonious conflict throughout the design and construction stages of the ensuing works, especially over costs and delays in the progress of the contracts, with each blaming the other.. So now, with apologies to all for this protracted preamble, especially the eponymous J**k, I will conclude this review of a key aspect of the development of modern Dundee as manifested in these two men and answer the question who actually designed Carolina Port the Engineer or Architect? A brief warts and all biography of both may help reach some conclusion. P H O T O G R A P H A Shocking Affair Electricity in Dundee Conclusion by Jim Buist James Thomson FRIBA, AMICE (City Architect , City Engineer and Housing Director ) above was a distinguished and successful Architect and it is noteworthy that he combined this with membership of the Institute of Civil Engineers - see photograph. Throughout his terms in these public posts he represented with some distinction, these wellestablished and respected professions. His reputation, both in the city and beyond, expanded in the wake of a series of visionary writings, progressive housing proposals and imaginative town planning schemes as well as the legacy of many fine municipal buildings in Dundee designed in association with his son. Some two years after his appointment as City Architect he acquired the City Engineer s post from the previous incumbent, W Mackison, in a rather distasteful episode. His report provided the Council with the required evidence to support Mackison s dismissal on the grounds of the incompetent running of the Public Works Department and included the offer to take over this failing department and make a healthy annual profit of For occupying the joint posts he was rewarded in 1906 with an increase of 100 to provide him with an annual gross salary of 500. It is ironic then that Thomson s own reputation suffered latterly and finally he himself was induced to vacate his remaining two posts of City Architect and Housing Director in 1926, having spent his last four years of employment somewhat under a cloud. This had became inevitable after it was revealed in 1922 that an all electric house had been built by the Council under his direction at the incredible total cost of 8,400 This comprised 4971 for the building and 3429 for contracts and equipment. Worse still this prototype building was to be tenanted by him at a nominal annual rent of only 100. To avoid further scandal the house was sold by the Council immediately the story broke for only Perhaps coincidentally but certainly curiously, in the same year that Thomson lost his position of City Engineer he was retained as City Architect and compensated with the post of Director of Housing. This demonstrates perhaps, the latent strength of support and high regard which he had built-up over his 20 years service and which he still retained with the Council despite this tainted episode and his somewhat cavalier and unprofessional behaviour. P H O T O G R A P H Harry Richardson MRI, FRSE, MIEE (City Electrical Engineer and Tramways Engineer ) must have seemed a new breed of professional, representing, at the start of the 20 th century, one of the ever expanding caste of Engineers and Technologist. He was entrusted with the practical application of electricity in the city of Dundee through the development of various new forms of public utilities including street lighting, tramcars and power supplies. The above photograph of his staff in 1906 (Richardson shown inset) was taken about the time of the late design stage of the Carolina Port Power Station development. To me this seems to show a positive image of his Department with five confident, competent, and forward-looking men, who would not have seemed significantly out of place on a similar site some 50 years later. Included too is his Depute D Bishop BSc MIEE, who eventually took over the department from Richardson from It appears that like Thomson, Richardson s ultimate departure from the Council s employment resulted from certain unspecified problems of an unhappy nature. Curiously this coincided with the year of the Thomson scandal and, following Richardson s departure, Bishop received the appointment only after some initial dispute. No doubt all of this illustrates some of the perils of being a public servant? At any rate the Council Minutes from about seem to record the absolute confidence and trust vested in Richardson who is referred to in relation to all preliminary work, research and feasibility studies for 9

10 the new power station. His duties included contacts with scientific consultants and experts, inspections of other existing power stations, visits to manufacturers of specialist equipment, preparing six detail design proposals and cost studies, undertaking six site investigations, and so on. Since no specific mention is made of Thomson during this period it seems possible that, if he had been consulted at all it would have been only on the basis of his Department s support role to Richardson team leadership. Despite this, the Council s final decision to proceed with the project at Carolina Port evidently eschewed Richardson s preference for a cheap, fast-build, steel- framed, corrugated iron-clad building with a limited year life and this was Thomson s entry to the project. Fortunately for posterity, the Council favoured a more traditional masonry construction for the superstructure of the main buildings at Carolina Port (see above), similar to that widely adopted for many industrial buildings throughout Britain in this period. At this stage it is highly probable that, having been excluded from much of the preliminary design work, Thomson would have used all his lobbying skills to ensure his role as Master of Works for the design and construction of the building. As a result some time late in 1906 Thomson was faced with a future challenging professional and personal relationship with Harry Richardson. In retrospect, perhaps it was inevitable that rivalry and friction would ensue from this working association, especially in relation to such a novel type of industrial building. This would necessarily develop during the periods of the detail design and construction phases with particular conflicts occurring over the cost of the works and the requirements of the programme and completion date. Site works and foundations started at Carolina Port some time in 1907 with the superstructure commencing on 22 May The architect s working drawings of the buildings are dated April 1908 and this suggests that work on the job could have begun some time early in the previous year. This would have been necessary to allow time for the preparation of drawings, specifications and tenders and so on. Input from Richardson s Department necessarily, would have been considerably in advance of this in view of its specialist nature and its relevance to the final form of the superstructure. Once again Richardson s senior role on the building team must have seemed unassailable to Thomson. It was during the later stages of the works that their relationship became really strained, mainly when it became clear that target completion dates could not be met. By 16 November 1908 Thomson had to explain that the work of erecting the power station was erected with all expedition by my Department and that any contracts entered into for the supply of current, were carried out without my knowledge. Clearly while he was prepared to accept responsibility his own staff s performance he was not satisfied with programme commitments made solely by Richardson. By 31 March 1909, Richardson reported that delays were due to the Architect and Builders and not the plant and equipment and claimed that if (he) had controlled the design then no delays would have ensued. Thomson replied that he had managed to save three months (and that) a work of the extent and intricacy of the new generating station could not have been carried out in less time than it has taken, if due regard was to be had to the execution of the work in a tradesmanlike manner Nevertheless by the next day Thomson was required to report a seven month delay due to Inability of Contractor to do the foundations in accordance with the programme Change by the Council from a light superstructure to a more permanent heavier one (possibly at Thomson s recommendation) Inclement weather and tidal problems (a common concern for Architects) Richardson countered by stating that I am quite confident that the works would have been ready for last 10 winter s load had I been allowed a free hand to carry out my original intentions. It seems evident that these intentions would have excluded Thomson as much as possible from the project. Council minutes for 12 April 1910 mention comparative costs of 15,000 for Richardson s lightweight superstructure against 23,100 for the structure as built. In the early years of the century this inevitably would have meant the use of the use of corrugated galvanised steel sheeting. At that time this was a relatively crude and impermanent material, which was used eventually on this project although only to a minor extent, for machinery and equipment housing and certain temporary gables. The building s formal opening took place on 24 February 1910, about 5 weeks after its actual completion. With Council approval, Richardson included an exhibition, at the modest cost of 50. This publicised all the advantages of electricity to the influential guests and simultaneously, no doubt, the skills of his Department. His ascendancy over Thomson on this project then must have seemed complete. To illustrate this point the total cost of the project was reported to be over 100,000 with 50,772 for plant and equipment and only 23,100 for work under Thomson s control. By 1912 Richardson was confidently requesting authority to extend the building to meet growing demands for electricity including the provision of lighting to common stairs and schemes for electrifying schools. In September of that same year the British Association visited Dundee and a commemorative brochure was produced in which only Richardson s contribution to the design is acknowledged! Despite this, as I noted in the last Newsletter, extensions to Carolina Port proceeded incrementally and successfully over the next 40 years, which is a testimony not only to Richardson s evident contribution but also to the work of his rival Thomson. So who really designed the now vanished Carolina Port Generating Station? All the evidence seems to point here to Harry Richardson although James Thomson s significant contributions to this utilitarian and pioneering industrial building should be acknowledged.

11 Carbet Castle Ceiling, Broughty Ferry by Craig Muir The above ceiling was formely an impressive part of Carbet Castle, the former Broughty Ferry mansion of the Grimond jute barons which sadly was demolished in the mid 1980 s. The ceiling (size 32 ft. x 16 ft.) painted by Charles Frechou in 1871 was saved by the in The ceiling was cut into nine pieces for easy storage and now remains in packing cases in a safe store provided by Dundee City Council. We have been actively seeking a suitable architectural location for this fine example of late Victorian art and craftsmanship and we are currently in early negotiation with Dundee City Council to have the ceiling incorporated within the re-building of Morgan Academy. However, due to high restoration costs this might become a fruitless exercise. R. M. Henderson recounts: The Saving of a Ceiling Dundee s jute barons once vied with each other to erect the biggest and most elaborate houses in the fashionable suburbs of the city, particularly Broughty Ferry. One of the grandest was Carbet Castle, built for Joseph Grimond by a local architect, T. S. Robertson. The internal decoration was extremely grand, with dining and drawing-room ceilings painted in 1871 by Charles Frechou of Paris (whose most notable work is perhaps the Paris Opera House). Carbet was hardly lived in and mostly demolished in 1920, but a section was left and used latterly as a builder s store. The condition of this section deteriorated and was allegedly the cause of outbreaks of woodworm and dry rot infestation in nearby properties. In the spring of 1984, an application to demolish this last section of the castle and erect flats was lodged with Dundee District Council. Much to the surprise of all concerned, it was found that the dining-room ceiling and one panel of the upstairs drawing-room ceiling had survived almost intact despite the ravages of weather, time and neglect. The Council set about trying to save these important works of art; not an easy task physically and financially, for the main ceiling measured 30 ft. x 16 ft. and was estimated to weigh about five tons. Loose plaster on the walls and rotted joists added danger to the operation, but even more critical was the time aspect, as the developers, Apex Builders Ltd., were keen to proceed. For reasons of expense, some two weeks before the demolishers were due to move in, the District Council decided they were unable to proceed with the salvage operation. At this stage, Dundee Civic Trust resolved to act, and in a week of frenzied activity, negotiated a contract with the demolishers to salvage the ceiling for a sum in excess of 12,500, obtained a stay of execution of the demolition, and set about raising the cash. The National Heritage Memorial Fund agreed to a grant of 6,000, the developers themselves offered 2,000 and another 2,000 came from a trust administered by a local firm of solicitors. With various other donations and guarantees by individual Civic Trust members, the money obstacle was quickly solved, but there remained the technical problem of removing the ceiling. Sandy Kirk, the engineer for Dundee Plant Co. who conducted the salvage operation, spent many hours calculating and scheming before deciding that the ceiling should be sandwiched in timber and polystyrene, sawn into nine pieces, and lifted out by crane after the roof had been taken off the building. The ceiling was waxed, six inches of polystyrene cut and packed underneath, then supported by heavy timbering. Above the ceiling, casting plaster was used as reinforcement before another layer of heavy timbers was arrayed above the joists. The sandwich was then bolted together using 1 inch. diameter eyebolts for which holes had to be drilled right through. The roof of the building was removed, the sandwich was cut into nine pieces using a carborundum saw and each piece lifted out by crane for transporting to a store, a disused factory kindly lent free of charge by a local builder. The whole operation took six weeks to execute. A few years later the ceiling was moved to a new location provided by Dundee City Council where it remains to this day. The Trust over the years has endeavoured to find a suitable home for it in Dundee. The College of Art, the Orchar Gallery and a few local hotel developments have all been considered but without fruition. So, if anyone out there is looking for 32 ft. x 16 ft feature ceiling to put in their dining room please come forward! 11

12 Letters To The Editor Dear Editor, I recently left Broughty Ferry with a small party of members to visit your house. Unfortunately I seem to have mistaken the way and I am getting quite worried as to what is going on. Perhaps you could give me directions as I am becoming a little alarmed. The trouble is that we are surrounded by chaps with beards and Kalashnikov rifles whose language I cannot understand. To avoid trouble I have taken to wearing a veil but even this has led to misunderstandings. Perhaps you could get back as soon as possible with some directions as the sanitary arrangements here are pretty basic and our Elsan has come to the end of its tether. Yours, Jim Pathfinder Buist Dear Jim, Do not worry, I have ascertained from my MI5 contacts that you are in the Far East. Fortunately you are not in Afghanistan as I first thought, but Arbroath. My advice would be to ditch the veil before your new acquaintances become too friendly, recite at regular intervals I like a smokie for my tea, and head in a western direction as fast as possible. Yours The Editor Do You Know This Building? Our regular feature in which you try to identify a particular building in Dundee. In the last issue the clue was: Not much a building more a place of rest Its mediaeval monuments are quite the best Quite frightening in the dark- its not the place for bed, After all its donor, went and lost her head. The answer was The Howff. The first name out the hat was Morag Walker. Can you identify this building from the following clue? This place of business that must be found Was surprisingly built on holy ground Within its red stone and stained glass you must queue When once you sat upon a pew. The prize for the correct answer is free membership of Dundee Civic Trust for a year for any person the winner nominates. Answers to the editor by 1 March Gift cards The Trust are now offering gift card. So, if you are interested in giving someone a small gift, why not give them a years membership to the. Please contact the membership secretary for further details Gift card cover Photo Appeal We are currently building up a library of photographs of Dundee both old and new. If you have any interesting photographs and would like to submit them to the library, please send them to the editor in the first instance. All photographs will be returned once they are scanned. We are particularly interested in obtaining a photograph of the Western Necropolis, before it was hit by lightning and a van. This will be used in a future article. Latest News For the latest news and events remember to check out the website: STOP PRESS I would like to remind some of you that there are a number of unpaid annual subscriptions still due. If you are one of these please send your subscriptions to the Treasurer ASAP as this will be your last newsletter. This Newsletter is sponsored by W R Scott & Soutar, Solicitors & Estate Agents is a registered Scottish Charity No SC