McEwan Hall

(Another of the geometric shapes semicircle and circles)

The MP and founder of the Edinburgh brewing firm, Sir William McEwan, donated money towards building the McEwan Hall which is used for Edinburgh University graduation ceremonies in addition to other events. The exterior was built in 1894 with the very ornate Italian Renaissance style D shaped interior completed in 1897.

The following extract from the RCAHMS site states;

Within a semi-circular pediment above the main entrance on the east side is a composition of nine figures, four in high relief, showing the ritual of graduation (placing a book on a graduate's head). The central figure (Principal?) is on a raised platform in front on a chair. All the figures are in academic robes.