The architect behind many of Edinburgh’s finest Greek Revival buildings, William H. Playfair (1790-1857) is often held as the man responsible for shaping the city’s physical identity as the ‘Athens of the North’. However, Playfair was no mere copyist or one-trick pony; he brought originality to his designs, he handled other architectural styles with ease, and he was a skilled urban planner. This talk will look at selected examples of Playfair’s work and give an insight into his character.
An Edinburgh resident for over 30 years, Hetty Lancaster is a local historian with a special interest in the city’s social and urban history. Actively involved in Edinburgh’s heritage sector, she offers walks and talks to individuals and groups curious about the city’s past through her business www.hettyshistorywalks.co.uk