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Robert's Edinburgh

Old and new side-by-side

black and white photograph of two nurses walking across a rooftop walkway

The University and the City of Edinburgh went through major phases of modernisation while Robert was a student. The University’s plan for a new ‘Arts Faculty’ centred on George Square, with the new University Library as its centrepiece, was put into action in the early 1960s.

Princes Street

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1960
Place of creation Princes Street, Edinburgh
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

Princes Street, last tram

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1956
Place of creation Princes Street, Edinburgh
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

Bar scene

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1958
Place of creation Edinburgh
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

Royal Infirmary, nurses crossing the roof

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1960
Place of creation Royal Infirmary Edinburgh
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

A modernising city

Architecture and engineering fascinated Robert, and the juxtaposition of the old and new across the town, from the bridges to the high-rises, was a constant focus of his lens.

Click the arrows to see examples of what he captured.

Telescopic view from Blackford Hill

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1964
Place of creation Blackford Hill, Edinburgh
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

Princes Street traffic

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1964
Place of creation Edinburgh
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

South Queensferry, Forth Road Bridge under construction

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1963
Place of creation South Queensferry
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

Lamp post exhibition, Princes Street Gardens

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1964
Place of creation Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography

Old College Quad, pipe band

Creator Robert Blomfield
Date 1960
Place of creation University of Edinburgh Old College Quad
Credit / Usage information © Robert Blomfield Photography