Plaque unveiled honouring Scots who built the White House
A group of Scots stonemasons who were instrumental in the construction of the White House have been honoured in their home city of Edinburgh today (Friday 26 October).
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 26 October 2018 13:51
Exhibition opens at Engine Shed in Stirling
A group of Scots stonemasons who were instrumental in the construction of the White House have been honoured in their home city of Edinburgh today (Friday 26 October).
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) was joined by Stewart McLaurin, President of The White House Historical Association to unveil the plaque at 66 Queen Street in Edinburgh. The building was one worked on by stonemasons John and James Williamson, before they travelled to Washington D.C. to commence work on the US Presidential residence.
The Williamson brothers were among a group of six members of Edinburgh Lodge number 8 who travelled to the USA in 1794, and whose skilled craftsmanship would make its mark on the White House.
The stonemasons carried out elaborate carvings on the façade of the structure, including the iconic ‘Double Scottish Rose’ which features on many different parts of the building.
Recently Charles Jones, Technical Conservation Skills Programme Manager and time served stonemason at HES, followed in the footsteps of the Williamson brothers when he was commissioned to carve a replica Double Scottish Rose by the White House Historical Association during a Symposium earlier this year. The replica is now on display in the White House Visitors Centre.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “Skilled Scottish stonemasonry was highly sought-after during the 18th century, and the important work undertaken on the White House demonstrates its lasting global significance.
“At HES, as well as highlighting the historic importance of Scottish stonemasonry, we are committed to keeping traditional skills alive. We are helping to sustain stonemasonry and other traditional craft skills in a range of ways: from our training and apprenticeship programmes, including our partnership with Forth Valley College and our dedicated Conservation Centre in Elgin, to the research and cutting-edge technology at the Engine Shed, Scotland’s first building conservation centre.
“This plaque is a fitting tribute to the pioneering Scottish stonemasons of over two centuries ago, and I hope it will provide inspiration for our next generation of craftspeople to carve their names in history.”
Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, said: “The stone masons of Scotland today are the legacy of great craftsmen from the 18th century who came to Washington and created the beautiful carvings that we still see on the White House.
“The Double Scottish Rose that we see on every pilaster is a Scots wink from those stonemasons and we were thrilled to have a reminder of that extraordinary stonemason talent.”
The story of the stonemasons is explored in a new exhibition now on display at the Engine Shed in Stirling. The Scots Who Built the White House, housed at Scotland’s building conservation centre, examines the role played by these Scottish stonemasons in the construction of one of most iconic buildings in the world, and how their legacy survives in modern Scottish stonemasonry. Exhibits on display include the 18th century masons mark book containing mason marks of both John and James Williamson, and the meeting minutes book where the trip was discussed, both on loan from Edinburgh Lodge 8. A replica of the Double Scottish Rose, carved by HES stonemasons, will also be on display.
The Scots Who Built the White House is now on display at the Engine Shed in Stirling until Friday 12th April 2019. Entry is free.
For more information about events and exhibitions at the Engine Shed, visit https://engineshed.scot/whats-on/
Image credit: Donald MacLeod : Photographer
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary
Legendary Scottish band Skerryvore have today unveiled plans to stage a special one-off concert – their biggest to date – to mark their 20th anniversary.
READ MORE
Scottish pubs to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
17 pubs across Scotland are calling on their customers to help spread a little Christmas cheer by writing cards to people facing loneliness and isolation this Christmas.
READ MORE
Forth Awards honours local heroes alongside celebrity names
The Forth Awards, presented by OT, have once again crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East - with local heroes celebrated alongside huge names from the entertainment world.
READ MORE
By popular demand, the Fat Hippo festive menu is back, featuring their epic limited edition Christmas burgers!
Forget those seasonal bakes…this year, it's all about Fat Hippo's Christmas burgers! With both meat and vegan options, it looks like everyone's made the nice list!
READ MORE
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima bring House of MinaLima to Edinburgh
The gallery-shop will open with the launch of the new MinaLima Classics product range, the Harry Potter Yule Ball collection and the recent The Phantom of the Opera limited-edition art prints.
READ MORE
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues across Scotland
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues in Scotland – including a very special Andrea Bocelli screening this weekend.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival announces first details of 2025 Theme and Programme
Edinburgh International Festival today unveils the first details of the 2025 Festival, the third from Festival Director Nicola Benedetti, taking place 1–24 August 2025.
READ MORE
Wedgwood the Restaurant announces the return of Christmas Day boxes
Edinburgh’s award-winning Wedgwood the Restaurant has announced the return of its sell-out Christmas Day boxes.
READ MORE
Bingo All The Way at The O2 Academy Edinburgh
The Christmas countdown is now truly on as Bongo’s Bingo celebrates Christmas in Edinburgh including a Hogmanay special for New Year’s Eve.
READ MORE
Return of Edinburghs Hogmanay New Years Day events programme
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a packed programme of free events to start 2025, as the much-loved First Footin’ and Sprogmanay events return on New Year's Day!
READ MORE
Cineworld Edinburgh Celebrates 25 Years
Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will host an exciting day of celebrations on Saturday 23rd November at Fountain Park Cinema in Edinburgh to mark the cinema’s milestone 25th birthday.
READ MORE
Gavin & Stacey star kickstarts initiative to support the elderly this Christmas
Supermarket teams up with national treasure Larry Lamb to reimagine its in-store cafes as 'Chatty Cafés' and help spark conversations this Christmas.
READ MORE
A packed three months of Winter events ahead at National Galleries of Scotland
National Galleries of Scotland is lighting up the dark winter nights with a packed three months of events across the National, Modern and Portrait galleries in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort Makes Waves with Grand Opening in Scotland
Scotland’s first inland surf resort, Lost Shore Surf Resort, officially opened with an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony at its £60m site in Ratho, near Edinburgh
READ MORE
Local MP applauds performing arts institution
A West Lothian higher education institution has been praised by the local MP for its commitment to supporting the next generation of performers.
READ MORE
Tickets On Sale Now For Dear Evan Hansen at the Edinburgh Playhouse
ATG Productions announce The brand-new Nottingham Playhouse production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning Best Musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN comes to Edinburgh Playhouse in July.
READ MORE
Celebrate the festive season with the Mowgli Edinburgh Christmas Feasting Menu
Enjoy authentic Indian street food perfect for sharing this festive season at Mowgli Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Celebrate Hope: Book Week Scotland 2024 Ignites Inspiration across Scotland
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift the country with its theme of Hope.
READ MORE
BrewDog has hidden 60 Advent Calendars across its bars for craft beer lovers to find
BrewDog is relaunching its Treasure Hunt campaign in time for Christmas with 60 of its iconic Advent Calendars will be hidden across 20 selected BrewDog bars in the UK.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre announces exciting new season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly present a thrilling lineup of magical family pantos jam packed with laughter, music, song and dance featuring some of Scotland's favourite stars!
READ MORE
CBeebies announce Beauty And The Beast for their 2024 Christmas Panto
Modern Films Family in partnership with CBeebies are excited to announce that this year's CBeebies Panto is Beauty and the Beast and that it will be in cinemas during November and December.
READ MORE
POP24 lands at Dynamic Earth
POP24 and Dynamic Earth offer schools a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from environmental scientists, space experts, and conservationists.
READ MORE
Garden Centre unveils festive dining for the whole family
From enjoying a jolly time at Santa's Breakfast to indulging in a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea or enjoying some seasonal drinks and cakes, customers at Dobbies are in for a treat.
READ MORE
Miss Saigon to return to the Edinburgh Playhouse in October 2025
This epic production will play the Edinburgh Playhouse from Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1st November 2025. This year marks 35 years since MISS SAIGON made its West End premiere.
READ MORE
ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour comes to Edinburgh
On Saturday 9th November, the ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour is coming to Edinburgh, inviting runners to take part in one of three 5km silent disco group runs.
READ MORE
New contemporary dance degree launches in Scotland
A leading Scottish performing arts institution has launched one of the country's first artist-led Contemporary Dance degree courses.
READ MORE
A striking painting stolen over 40 years ago goes on display in Scotland for the first time
Discover the striking double portrait painting of featured artists Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, recently returned to Chatsworth a staggering 45 years after it was stolen.
READ MORE
Snooker Stars Heading For Edinburgh
Snooker's all-time greats head for the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh next month for the BetVictor Scottish Open.
READ MORE
Take a trip Down the Rabbit Hole with Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh
Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh unveils its latest immersive cocktail experience inspired by Lewis Carroll’s literary classic – Alice in Wonderland.
READ MORE
Phil Cunningham to bring festive magic to Edinburgh for annual Christmas Songbook
Phil Cunningham's beloved Christmas Songbook is set to return to Edinburgh, bringing festive cheer and a captivating blend of contemporary and traditional Christmas tunes to the Queen's Hall!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links