DUNFERMLINE CARNEGIE LIBRARY Conservation Management Plan

DUNFERMLINE CARNEGIE LIBRARY

Conservation Management Plan Simpson & Brown Architects June 2012

Front cover: Detail of 1920s carved joinery by Scott Morton and Tynecastle Ltd . (S&B)

CONTENTS Page 1.0 Executive Summary 3

2.0 Introduction 4 2.1 Objectives 4 2.2 Study Area 4 2.3 Designations 6 2.4 Limitations 7 2.5 Sources of Funding 7 2.6 Structure of the Report 7 2.7 Project Team 7 2.8 Acknowledgements 7 2.9 Abbreviations 8

3.0 Understanding the Dunfermline Carnegie Library 10 3.1 History of the Site 10 3.2 5-7 Abbot Street 12 3.3 St Margaret’s House 25 3.4 Dunfermline Carnegie Library - Background 28 3.5 History of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library 30 3.6 Design Context and Development 60 3.7 Architects 64 3.8 Summary Chronology 68 3.9 The Study Area in 2012 70 3.10 Current Management of the Site 78 3.11 Dunfermline Museum, Art Gallery & Library Project 79

4.0 Assessment of Significance 81 4.1 Introduction 81 4.2 Historical Significance 81 4.3 Architectural and Aesthetic Significance 82 4.4 Archaeological Significance 83 4.5 Landscape and Ecological Significance 83 4.6 Social Significance 83

5.0 Summary Statement of Significance 84

6.0 Grading of Significance 85 6.1 Introduction 85 6.2 Graded Elements 85

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 1 7.0 Risks & Opportunities 95 7.1 Introduction 95 7.2 Conservation and the Existing Fabric 95 7.3 Maintenance 97 7.4 Use 97 7.5 Statutory & Non-Statutory Constraints 97 7.6 Archaeological Issues 98 7.7 Safety, Vandalism & Security 98 7.8 Public & Disabled Access 99 7.9 Management 99 7.10 New Work & Alterations 100 7.11 Interiors & Furniture 101 7.12 Setting & Boundaries 101 7.13 Effects on the Environment & Climate Change 102 7.14 Interpretation & Understanding 102 7.15 Management of Information 103

8.0 Conservation Policies 104 8.1 Introduction 104 8.2 Base Policies - Conservation 105 8.3 Conservation and the Existing Fabric 106 8.4 Maintenance 108 8.5 Statutory & Non-Statutory Constraints 114 8.6 Safety, Vandalism & Security 114 8.7 Public & Disabled Access 114 8.8 Management 115 8.9 Workmanship & Advice 115 8.10 New Work & Alterations 116 8.11 Interiors & Furniture 119 8.12 Setting & Boundaries 119 8.13 Effects on the Environment & Climate Change 122 8.14 Interpretation & Understanding 122 8.15 Management of Information 123

Appendices Appendix I Listed Building Reports Appendix II A3 Drawings Appendix III History of Commercial Bank

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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Dunfermline Carnegie Library is a category B listed building on Abbot Street at the junction with St Margaret Street. This report also discusses numbers 5-7 Abbot Street, adjacent to the library and also listed at category B, and St Margaret’s House on St Margaret Street, which is unlisted. The library building consists of three main phases of construction. The first was the library as completed in 1883 – designed by J C Walker. The building was then altered and extended by J Shearer – the design and construction of this phase was interrupted by the First World War and was finally completed in 1922. The final significant phase dates to 1993 when the library was extended by the then Dunfermline District Council’s in-house architect L Dunkerley. The building is important for its social, historical and architectural associations. In addition to being a highly-valued and well-used community facility, the library has important connections to the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who was born in Dunfermline. Dunfermline Carnegie Library was the first library to be funded by him – the first of over two-and-a-half thousand which were constructed using grants from his charitable foundations. The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust has maintained a close relationship with the library, generously contributing to various library projects. The adjacent property of 5-7 Abbot Street is important because of its connections to the commercial history of Dunfermline. First built by the Commercial Bank of Scotland in 1838, it was later altered at the same time as the library was completed in the 1880s. Between 1905 and 1952, the building was the headquarters of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, and it later became offices for Fife Council. Both the library and 5-7 Abbot Street are important contributing architectural features in the wider Dunfermline Conservation Area. Although of lesser architectural significance, St Margaret’s House is important for its historical and social connections, and remains an attractive feature of the conservation area and the setting of one of the approaches to Dunfermline Abbey. The overall level of significance of the study area is considerable. Elements of considerable significance should be retained and respected as part of any future redevelopment of the building. Elements of moderate significance should be retained wherever possible. It is proposed by Fife Council to extend the existing library and incorporate 5-7 Abbot Street to form a major new museum and art gallery, incorporating archive, research, local and family studies facilities, as part of a cohesive and multi-purpose public building. This conservation management plan provides an overview of the historical development of the site, followed by an assessment of the significance of the overall site and its components. From this understanding of the place, a discussion of the key issues relating to the site and a set of policies have been produced to guide future use, development and management of the building and its various parts. The previous Conservation Plan prepared in 2007 has been used to inform the design approach to the new extension and the proposed architectural interventions.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 3 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Objectives This Conservation Management Plan has been commissioned by Fife Council Community Services as part of a wider study into the development of a new Museum and Art Gallery in Dunfermline. It examines the importance of three buildings: the Dunfermline Carnegie Library, 5-7 Abbot Street, and St Margaret’s House, and their settings. The report has been prepared to inform future development and management of the sites, and includes a condition assessment of the buildings. It has also been prepared to be included as part of funding applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other public funding bodies. The first part of this report comprises a review of the documentary evidence, together with a physical analysis of the building fabric. This establishes an account of the historical development of the site and the buildings. A description and analysis of the present condition and arrangement of the buildings is included, with a description of the fabric. The evidence is then considered in an assessment of cultural significance, for the site as a whole and for its various parts. The purpose of establishing the importance of the site is to identify and assess the attributes which make a building of value to our society. Once the heritage significance of the buildings and the landscape is understood, informed policy decisions can be made which will enable that significance to be retained, revealed or, at least, impaired as little as possible. A clear understanding of the nature and degree of the significance of the building and other elements of the site will not only suggest constraints on future action, it will introduce flexibility by identifying the areas which can be adapted or developed with greater freedom.

2.2 Study Area Dunfermline Carnegie Library is located on a corner site on Abbot Street and St Margaret Street. 5-7 Abbot Street is immediately to the west of the Library, between it and the historic Abbot House, now a heritage centre. Behind these two buildings is a car park, which is bounded to the south by the boundary walls of the Abbey grounds. St Margaret’s House is immediately south of the Library extension, on St Margaret Street, divided from it by a short road leading to the east gate to the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey. It sits in a former garden, now mainly given to car parking, but containing some fine trees. The garden is bounded by a low wall and railings, with a hedge. To the west, the garden is bounded by the walls of the Abbey grounds. All three buildings are owned by Fife Council.

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Figure 1 Map showing location of study area, circled. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2012

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2.3 Designations Dunfermline Carnegie Library and 5-7 Abbot Street are listed Category B (HB No. 25979) and (HB no. 25980) respectively. St Margaret’s House is not listed. The Abbey boundary walls and railings, the gatepiers, and the toolhouse or gatehouse immediately within the gates are all listed B (HB Number 46893), with a Group Category A, with Dunfermline Abbey, New Abbey Parish Church, Nave, Gatehouse, Remains of Dorter and Reredorter, Frater Range and Palace and Kitchen. The whole site is located within the Dunfermline Town Centre Outstanding Conservation Area (2002) (see figure 2).

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2.4 Limitations No opening up was carried out as part of physical assessment of the buildings. It was not possible to examine the records of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. Further light might be shed on the history of 5-7 Abbot Street if these were to be examined. These records have, since the publication of the original report, been deposited with Dunfermline Carnegie Library.

2.5 Sources of Funding The original 2007 report and the 2012 update were commissioned and funded by Fife Council.

2.6 Structure of the Report This conservation management plan follows the guidelines set out in the following documents: • The Heritage Lottery Fund’s Conservation Management Planning (April 2008) which supersedes the Heritage Lottery Fund Conservation Management Plans Checklist, Conservation Management Plans Model Brief and Conservation Management Plans: Helping your application (2004) • Conservation management plans: A Guide to the Preparation of Conservation management plans, Historic Scotland • The Conservation Plan, 6th Ed., (The National Trust of Australia, 2004) by James Semple Kerr • The Illustrated Burra Charter: good practice for heritage places (Australia ICOMOS, 2004) by M Walker and P Marquis-Kyle. Reference is also made to the British Standard BS 7913 – Guide to the principles of the conservation of historic buildings (1998).

2.7 Project Team The 2007 conservation plan was written by Simpson & Brown. The project team consisted of John Sanders, Cath McFarlane, and Aishwarya Tipnis. The report was updated in 2012 by Tom Parnell of Simpson & Brown. This report was undertaken as part of the work of a larger team assembled by Jura Consultants, which assessed various aspects of the site as part of an overall approach to the development of a new Museum and Art Gallery in Dunfermline. Unless otherwise stated, all photographs have been taken by Simpson & Brown.

2.8 Acknowledgements Simpson & Brown gratefully acknowledge the assistance provided by the following persons and organisations: • Bob Izatt, Dunfermline Carnegie Library • Dorothy Browse, Libraries, Arts & Museums, Fife Council

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 7 • John Stevenson, Project Manager, Fife Council • Chris Neale, Information Services Librarian • Andrew Dowsey, Fife Council Archives • Carnegie Dunfermline Trust • Daughters of Charity This report contains licensed images from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. To view these images online, please consult http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/canmore.html This report contains maps (figures 6, 8, 10-13, 16, 24 & 38) reproduced by permission of the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland (NLS). To view these maps online, see http://www.nls.uk/

2.9 Abbreviations These abbreviations have been used throughout the report: DCLA Dunfermline Carnegie Library Archive FCA Fife Council Archives OS Ordnance Survey CDT Carnegie Dunfermline Trust PLCMB Public Library Committee Minute Book RCAHMS Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland

The Dunfermline Carnegie Library is referred to throughout the report as the ‘Library’.

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Figure 4 General view of library from Guildhall Street.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 9 3.0 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 3.1 History of the Site The study area has a very long history of occupation. All three buildings are adjacent to Dunfermline Abbey. The Abbey and Palace are among the most important historical sites in Scotland, with religious and royal connections since the 11th century. The Abbey was an important site of medieval pilgrimage, containing the shrine of St Margaret, and it was also the burying place of Scotland’s Royal family. Robert the Bruce is buried there. After the Reformation the guest house of the Abbey became the Royal Palace of James VI, where Charles I was born. After the Union of the Crowns in 1603 the Palace fell into disuse. Dunfermline’s fortunes were revived by the Industrial Revolution, when it became a great centre of the linen industry, along with ironworks, coal mining and the dockyard at Rosyth. Dunfermline was founded as a Royal Burgh between 1124 and 1127, if not earlier. It was laid out on the usual pattern of burghs, with a main street, marketplace and tofts or burgage plots. The Abbey was a vast complex of buildings in the middle of the street pattern, and the study area sits firmly in the heart of the medieval development of the town. This can be seen most clearly on Roy’s 18th century map (figure 6), which also shows the typical burgh layout of the town. Figures 5-13 show the approximate location of the study area on historic maps.

Figure 5 Reconstruction map of 17th century Figure 6 Dunfermline, Roy’s Military Dunfermline 1952. DCLA Survey 1747-55. BL/NLS

Figure 7 Manuscript map 1766. DCLA Figure 8 Wood’s Town Survey 1823. NLS

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Figure 9 1st Edition OS map 1854 DCLA Figure 10 2nd Edition OS map 1896 NLS

Figure 11 OS 1914 NLS Figure 12 OS 1926 NLS By the 19th century, industrial development occupied the periphery of the Abbey Grounds. Just south of the site of the library, the Abbey Gardens Brewery occupied a large area. Across St Margaret Street was the Linen Yard Warehouse and a Soap and Candle Manufactury. North of the site in Abbot Street was the Barm Brewery and the Malt Houses. A large site, bounded to the north by Abbot Street, to the west by the Abbey Grounds, to the east by St Margaret Street, and to the south by St Margaret Place, was offered for sale by ‘Mr Greig, brewer’ to the St Margaret’s Hall Company, following its creation in 1876. Apart from the brewery and some garden and courtyard ground, the site contained a building on the corner Figure 13 OS 1968 NLS of Abbot Street and St Margaret Street,

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 11 which, to judge from the 1881 Census, was a small dwelling. The company chose to buy and build on part of the site only (see figure 10). The corner site was sold to two individuals ‘for possible public use’. It was then sold on at cost price (£1,300) to the Town Council as the site for the library1. By 1914 the site of the Abbey Gardens Manufactory was occupied by a linen factory, by then the most important industry in Dunfermline (figure 11).

3.2 5-7 Abbot Street 3.2.1 Commercial Bank 1838-1881 5-7 Abbot Street was built as the Dunfermline branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland in 1838-9, to the designs of the architect David Rhind.

Figure 14 Front elevation of Commercial Bank, edited version of drawing by Wardrop & Reid below (figure 21) to show 1838 building. FCA, eds S&B

1 Information supplied by Chris Neale, Information Services Librarian, Dunfermline Carnegie Library

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The Commercial Bank’s headquarters at the time (1814-47) were in the High St, Edinburgh, and Rhind’s Dunfermline branch was a similarly neo-Classical building, using similar Doric columns, with the ground in front enclosed by railings. The Dunfermline branch had been among the earliest dozen branches of the Commercial Bank, originally opened (on an unknown site) in 1811.2 It is not clear whether the Commercial Bank had a Figure 15 Former Headquarters of ‘house style’, but Rhind designed the Commercial Bank, Edinburgh, c1900 majority of their many branches, including the magnificent headquarters in George St, Edinburgh (1847) (see below Section 3.7 Architects). From 1828 to 1883 he designed eighty two branches throughout Scotland. He also produced five other banks for other companies. The Dunfermline branch was his ninth building for the Commercial Bank. The Commercial Bank of Scotland was one of the most successful Scottish banks, expanding astutely and having 53 branches by 1850, the second largest network of any Scottish bank at that date3. The Bank was built at a cost of £1,358, recorded in the minutes of the Commercial Bank Board for 25th October 1838 and 2nd May 18394. No drawings are known to have survived, but map evidence, an early photograph of the rear of the building, and drawings of proposed additions (see below figure 21) give a fair indication of its original appearance and plan. Rhind’s building was two storey over a basement, with a restrained three bay neo-Classical front façade, a piend roof flanked by simple chimneys, a horizontally rusticated Figure 16 Reconstruction of north elevation ground floor and a central portico with a of Commercial Bank 1838 S&B pair of Doric columns. The roof had twin gables at the back, with decorative barge boards (figure 18). Although the front elevation would have been ashlar, the side and rear walls appear to have been harled, with joinery painted a dark colour. A low wall with railings enclosed the area of ground at the front.

2 ‘The Story of the Commercial Bank of Scotland Ltd during its Hundred Years from 1810 to 1910’ James Anderson 1910 3 See Appendix IV for a summary history of the bank. 4 Information from the Dictionary of Scottish Architects website (www.scottisharchitects.org.uk). Minutes held at Royal Bank of Scotland Group archive, not seen for this report.

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Figure 17 1st Edition OS 1854. NLS Figure 18 West elevation of 5-7 Abbot Street c1880. DCLA The interior layout of the ground floor is indicated on the 1854 OS map (figure 17). The entrance hall had three doors, one giving onto a banking hall with a central desk, and the other to a stair hall and other rooms, which were probably part of the private accommodation for the bank’s agent. The counter for the branch is shown running north south at the centre of the banking hall in the north east part of the plan. The very thick internal wall shown on the OS map corresponds with the position of the safes on the plan below (figure 27). The rear portion of the bank remains largely unchanged, and various parts of the interior, including the staircase with its stained glass window, and a number of white marble chimneypieces. The rear windows have also survived.

Figure 19 Stair baluster 5-7 Abbot Street Figure 20 Stair window 5-7 Abbot Street

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3.2.2 Alterations by the Commercial Bank 1883-1905 In 1882 the Commercial Bank commissioned plans for a modest extension from the architects Wardrop & Reid, to cost £300 (figures 21-23), and work appears to have begun on site according to these plans. The extension consisted of a bay window to the banking hall, presumably to provide more light. The work was halted during construction. The project coincided with the construction of the new Library, and it is possible that the Bank’s directors wished to keep pace with the designs of their neighbour, and to keep the front façade of the Bank more closely in line with the front façade of the Library. The current larger extension was proposed, with an entirely new front elevation, and building work halted to draw up plans, originally estimated to cost between £1,500 and £2,000. On 18th January 1883, a final estimate of £2,963.5.8 was approved5. The initial plans usefully show most of the 1838 front elevation (figure 21).

Figure 21 Elevation of 5-7 Abbot Street, Wardrop & Reid 1882. FCA The elevation drawing (figure 21) shows the bay window initially proposed, coloured a pale pink to indicate new fabric. The central window of the first floor has a simple pediment. On the ground floor, the original window to the right is

5 Information from Scottish Architects Biographies website. Minutes held at Royal Bank of Scotland Group archive, not seen for this report, 22 June 1882, 6, 17 July 1882, 12 October 1882, 18 January 1883.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 15 relatively elaborate. There are curvilinear brackets below a stone balcony to the first floor window above it. A pair of columns, presumably set forward of the glass, divide the window into three. Above the central portico is a balcony with a balustrade. The balcony above the proposed bay window combines the design of the other two balconies, with the short side panels solid like the window, and the central panel with balusters to match those above the portico. A discreet plate to the left of the entrance advertises ‘Commercial Bank of Scotland Ltd’.

Figure 22 Ground floor plan, initial extension Figure 23 Basement plan, initial 1882, Wardrop & Reid. FCA extension 1882, Wardrop & Reid. FCA

The extensions as eventually carried out were more extensive. The centre wall facing the street was taken down and a new wall built further north on the line established by the new Library. This allowed space for a larger banking hall on the position of the Figure 24 1896 OS map. NLS previous banking hall, on the north east corner of the plan, and more rooms on the floor above. The building gained a third floor, and on the ground floor a separate ‘Bank Lobby’ and ‘House Lobby’, and a waiting room for the bank’s customers with wc and lavatory. No architects’ drawings of the new front elevation are known to survive from 1883, but this appears to have remained unchanged (figure 25).

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Figure 25 Front elevation of 5-7 Abbot Street Wardrop & Reid retained the style of Rhind’s first floor window surrounds (it is possible that partly completed masonry was taken down and reused, although there is no pediment on the central window), and almost certainly reused his portico, which was copied to make an exact pair of entrances to one side. The bay window design from the previous proposal was used, although no balcony was built. Plate glass was used in the new windows. The eastern part of the frontage, containing the porticoes at ground floor level, was slightly set forward of the rest of the extension and further emphasised by a Jacobean gable, with ornamental balls and urns and topped by a segmental pediment. The east elevation (clearly visible from the street) was also aggrandised, with a substantial chimney stack flanked by ogee walls. It is possible that the harling was removed at this stage. The masonry of the east elevation if anything emphasises the fact that the building is an extension to an earlier one. The balustrade shown on the elevation of the 1838 building above the portico was not re-used. A balustrade links the two simpler dormer windows. Carved panels on the Figure 26 5-7 Abbot Street from the east pediments above the dormers show a rose, a shamrock, and on the large gable, a thistle.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 17 Interior alterations are shown marked in pink on figures 27-31 below.

Figure 27 Ground floor plan of extensions Wardrop & Reid 1883. FCA

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Figure 28 Basement plan of extensions Wardrop & Reid 1883. FCA

The basement plan shows the line of the earlier building as ‘Present front wall’ (figure 28).

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Figure 29 First floor plan of extensions Wardrop & Reid 1883. FCA

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Figure 30 Attic floor plan of extensions Wardrop & Reid 1883. FCA

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Figure 31 Section on line A-B (on ground floor plan above) Wardrop & Reid 1883. FCA The ‘Telling Room’ or Banking Hall on the ground floor is shown in section at figure 31. The ‘Waiting Room’ lead off this room, with a half screen between Ionic pilasters. This architectural detail remains (figure 32), although now blocked off in the centre, and with a new door opening between the east pilasters. The glazed entrance to the Banking Hall from the Bank Lobby also survives, but also blocked off (figure 33).

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Figure 32 Former screen between Telling Room and Waiting Room

Figure 33 1883 Bank entrance screen Figure 34 Detail of 1883 pilasters in former Telling Room

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 23 3.2.3 Headquarters of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust 1905-1952 In 1905 the Commercial Bank negotiated with the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust (CDT) to sell the premises at Abbot Street for £4,125. The construction of the new Dunfermline branch took rather longer than expected, and bank staff did not transfer until 1908. The first meeting of the CDT in the building finally took place on 31st December 1908. The only known photograph of the building during this period shows the exterior decorated for the coronation of 1937 (figure 35). This photograph appears to show that the balustrade above the bay window and the porticos was in place at that date. No major alterations are known to have Figure 35 5-7 Abbot Street 1937 CDT been made to the building during the Trust’s tenure. Drawings of the proposed extensions by Wardrop & Reid indicate a plain chimneypiece in the banking hall (figure 36), to match the other restrained chimneypieces in the rest of the building, which are generally white marble (some now painted). It is possible that the fine Regency neo-Classical marble chimneypiece, with contrasting yellow marble inset and hearthstone, now in the former banking hall was inserted by the Trust. Further research is required into the use of the building during this period.6

Figure 36 Detail of section showing banking Figure 37 Chimneypiece in north-east front hall chimneypiece and pilasters 1883 FCA room of 5-7 Abbot Street

3.2.4 Dunfermline Council offices 1952-2006 The CDT moved to new premises at Abbey Park House in 1952, and the building was sold to Dunfermline Town Council for uses as offices for the Burgh Engineer’s Department, formerly in the Burgh Chambers.

6 The CDT were contacted as part of this 2007 study, but were unable at that date to provide access to the historic minute books of the Trust. It was suggested that the Trust would have been unlikely to have invested significantly in alterations to the building. At the time of the update to the report, the archives had been transferred to the Dunfermline Carnegie Library, and future research might therefore be possible.

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In 1975 the Burgh Engineer’s Department became the Technical Services Department for Dunfermline District Council. On the merging of Dunfermline District Council with Fife Regional Council, the Department became Building Control, Fife Council (West). It is currently in use by Parks & Amenities, Fife Council. Various alterations were made to the building, mainly internal, consistent with its use as offices. The western of the two front doors to the building was blocked up to create a window, and the double entrance lobbies were opened up to form one reception space. At some point the railings at the front were replaced. During this period a link was added between the building and the Library, at second floor level, bridging the gap between the buildings over the small alley between them.

3.3 St Margaret’s House St Margaret’s House, 9 St Margaret Street, is a mid-19th century villa, set in a garden bounded by a wall and some railings. It is not certain when the house was built, but it would seem likely that it is the house referred to by the Dictionary of Scottish Architects7 as being built by the Dunfermline builder, Thomas Bonnar, in 1841. The client for that dwelling house was George Birrel, manufacturer, and former Provost of Dunfermline. There is no other house from the same period on St Margaret Street that would be as likely a candidate. The house is shown on the 1st Edition OS map of 1854 (figure 38).

Figure 38 1st Edition OS 1854 NLS Figure 39 1855 map of a disputed boundary DCLA The house is marked ‘Abbey Gardens Cottage’ on the 1854 OS (figure 38) and as ‘House occupied by Free Church Minister’ on an 1855 map (figure 39). Later OS maps give no additional information about its use. Information from the Sasines show it was conveyed by the Congregation of the Free Abbey Church to David Mullan, Pawnbroker, Dunfermline in 1895. The house is described as ‘dwelling house and ground, bounded on East by St Margaret Street, and on north partly by road to church yard, being part of 101 short Roods or falls, and 9 yards of Abbey Gardens or Parks of Dunfermline’.8 A 19th century photograph shows the house prior to 20th century alterations (figure 40). The exterior joinery is painted a dark colour, with wavy barge boards and elegant laying panes in the sash windows. Prior to 1915 OS maps show a small

7 http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/building_full.php?id=234190, accessed 12-Feb-2012 8 NAS Register of Sasines for Dunfermline 2135/6 1895 12.07 581/131

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 25 octagonal summer house or kiosk in the south-eastern corner of the garden, with paths and trees.

Figure 40 Photograph of St Margaret’s House 1884 DCLA The railings between the house and the Abbey graveyard remain. 3.3.1 Daughters of Charity 1898-1966 Victorian Dunfermline, as was the case in most industrialised towns, included areas of considerable deprivation. In 1898 St Margaret’s House was acquired by Father George Mullan, the incumbent of St Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church. Father Mullan invited nuns from the Daughters of Charity (see below) to send a mission to the town. The announcement provoked a letter to the Dunfermline Journal, 19th Nov 1898, complaining of ‘Popish Aggression’. A response came from a former soldier: ‘I like to see justice… I know what these Sisters are… they are the bravest women I have ever seen’ not afraid to go into the battlefield to tend the wounded and dying, nor into the hospitals of infectious diseases. The Sisters came to be accepted, after initial suspicion of their white head dress. From 1898 onwards, there were usually three sisters living at St Margaret’s House, which they leased from Father Mullan for £40 per year. Two worked as school teachers, and one went about the working class areas of the town, visiting the sick and the poor, ‘with a basket on her arm’. During their time in Dunfermline the Sisters undertook all sorts of community and youth work, organising Girls Clubs, Working Boys Clubs, and working in the hospital, including as Chaplains. One was headmistress of the Catholic secondary school until its closure in 1960. They visited the sick and poor in two parishes, St Margaret’s and St Mary of Lourdes. In July 1966 the Sisters left St Margaret’s House for a house in Viewfield Terrace, and the house was acquired by Fife Council. The best known Sister was Gabrielle Halley, daughter of the famous founder of the Halley Orchestra. On the day of her funeral in 1926, all shops in the town, both Catholic and Protestant, closed as a mark of respect. She is buried in the Abbey grounds.

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By the time the Order were recalled from Dunfermline in 2000, 68 Sisters had served there.9 Daughters of Charity This Roman Catholic Congregation was founded in Paris in 1633 by Vincent de Paul and Louise de Merillac, and uniquely at the time, was set up for the active provision of practical help to the poor and sick by an order of Catholic women. Previously, orders of nuns were confined to convents. Also uniquely, members of the Congregation were to take annual vows. Since then Sisters have worked in deprived areas, hospitals and schools, and are particularly noted for their work as field nurses in the First World War, when they were known as the ‘Angels of the Battlefield’. The rule drawn up by the order’s founder states that the sisters take the streets or hospital wards as their equivalent of a cloister, and the outgoing nature of their work was to mean the sisters were protected by ‘no grate but the fear of God, no veil but holy modesty’.

3.3.2 Fife Council 1966 - After the building was acquired by the local authority, alterations to create council offices were carried out, which involved the loss of the building’s original fittings, cornices and other internal detail, with the exception of the staircase. The sash and case timber windows were replaced by upvc windows, the decorative barge boards removed. Parts of the garden were asphalted over to provide car parking. 3.3.3 Abbey Grounds - gatepiers and toolhouse St Margaret’s House adjoins the East Gate to the Abbey Grounds. The Gothic gate piers were built in the early 19th century. In 1897 a small Gothic toolshed or gatehouse was built just inside the gates, close to the boundary wall to the north between the Abbey Figure 41 Gothic toolshed adjoining study area. grounds and the Library carpark. It was designed by John Houston. It has been suggested that the building was designed as a mortuary chapel. In the late 20th century metal shutters were placed over the original traceried windows (see Figure 42 Detail of aerial photograph 1968 figure 42). This building is leased by Historic Scotland and contains a basic staff welfare office and facilities 10.

9 Information supplied by Sister Joan Conroy, Archivist, Daughters of Charity, Millhill, London. 10 Information courtesy of Historic Scotland/Fife Council

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 27 3.4 Dunfermline Carnegie Library - Background 3.4.1 Background – public libraries in Britain Public libraries were not a 19th century innovation. In Dunfermline the first circulating library was recorded in 1711. In other towns various groups had collected funds to buy books, and booksellers sometimes offered their customers the opportunity to borrow books, for a fee. Very few libraries were free however, almost all relying on subscriptions. The initial collection of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library came from the donation by the Mechanics Institute of Dunfermline of their entire stock, which had been paid for by the members’ subscriptions. The Libraries Act of 1867 allowed town councils to levy a special rate of 1d to provide for free libraries. This power was initially taken up by 140 town councils, but the major impetus for expansion came from the combination of this rate with the capital grants offered by Andrew Carnegie. By 1899 over 320 free public libraries had been built in Scotland, two thirds of them with Carnegie’s assistance. 3.4.2 Carnegie’s Libraries ‘There is no human arrangement so powerful for good… as that which places within reach of all the treasures of the world which are stored up in books’ 11 Carnegie’s policy was to donate money for the building of a library, but the community had to provide a site, guarantee to stock the library and pledge and annual amount for maintenance. This was usually 10% of the amount given by Carnegie. In America his gift was commonly $2 per head of population. Interestingly, in the three schemes where he provided extra endowment for the upkeep of the libraries the scheme struggled and was unsuccessful12. Carnegie’s largest library gift was $5million for 66 branches of the New York Public Library, but some grants for small American towns were as low as $1,000. In total, over 2,600 libraries in Britain, the US and the Commonwealth were founded by, or benefited from his gifts. In Britain alone he gave grants to 660 libraries.

Figure 43 Portrait of Andrew Carnegie Figure 44 Cartoon of Carnegie’s library building activities and steelwork chimneys

11 Quoted in S Goodenough ‘The Greatest Good Fortune. Andrew Carnegie’s Gift for Today’ 1985 12 Goodeneough ibid

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3.4.3 Andrew Carnegie and gifts to Dunfermline Andrew Carnegie was an exceptionally significant philanthropist, giving away over £700million of his own money, following the motto that ‘the man who dies rich, dies disgraced’. He was particularly generous to his native town of Dunfermline, where no fewer than 26 major public buildings were wholly or largely funded by his donations. In 1877 Carnegie gave £5,000 to the town for a swimming pool and public baths, including a small gymnasium, and was awarded the Freedom of Dunfermline. The baths were so popular that in 1899 Carnegie donated £45,000 for New Baths (completed in 1905), including a full-size swimming pool, slipper baths, Russian and Turkish Baths, and a large gymnasium. He also established the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust (CDT) in 1903 with an initial grant of £2.5 million, to improve the public welfare of the town, beginning with the donation of Pittencrieff Park to the people of the town. The Trust was set up as an experiment in what Carnegie called ‘the advantages which a community may derive by having placed at its disposal, under the administration of public-spirited and intelligent men chosen from among themselves, funds dedicated to the purpose of providing the means of introducing into the daily lives of the masses, such privileges and enjoyments as are under present circumstances considered beyond their reach, but which if brought within their reach are calculated to carry into their homes and their conduct sweetness and light’ Carnegie’s gifts were made with a combination of very general instructions, to the widest possible range of people, but in some cases with very personal motivations. The purchase and gift of Pittencrieff Park, for instance, was a direct result of his childhood experience of his family being forbidden by the owner to enter the place, because of his father’s political activism. Similarly, Carnegie felt strongly that free public libraries were a primary force for public good, and for the improvement of the ‘aspiring’. He had experienced the benefits of free access to the books of Colonel Anderson when a boy in Pittsburgh. ‘I can never speak of Colonel Anderson without feelings of devotional gratitude. He opened his little library of four hundred books to boys. Every Saturday afternoon he was in attendance to exchange books, and it was when revelling in the treasures which he opened to us I resolved, if ever wealth came to me, that it should be used to establish free libraries so that other poor boys might receive opportunities similar to those for which we were indebted to that noble man.’13

13 Andrew Carnegie, quoted in ‘Fiction for Library Readers’ V1 no 3 January 1938

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 29 3.5 History of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library 3.5.1 Design by JC Walker 1883 Architectural drawings for the Library and its subsequent alterations survive, along with the Minutes of the Meetings of the Library Committee, which give details of its development. In addition the Library Archive contains a number of historic photographs. The Library Committee set up to establish a library in Dunfermline decided on 16th January 1880 ‘to accept Mr Carnegie’s munificent Gift of Five Thousand Pounds to provide a Public Library’. Carnegie initially suggested gifting a library to Dunfermline which would be an Figure 45 Dunfermline Library 1906. DCLA addition to one of his earlier buildings, the Public Baths. The architect Mr Andrew Scobie (later a Trustee of the CDT) was paid £5 for drawings for an addition above the baths, but the Dunfermline Library Committee suggested instead a new building on another site, and Carnegie agreed to increase his grant to £8,000 to support this. The architect John Campbell Walker was approached. He was an Edinburgh architect, and had already designed the highly successful Dunfermline Burgh Chambers (1876-79). It was a measure of the status attached to the library project that he gained the commission. The Committee members made a number of visits to other libraries, particularly those of Dundee, and Walker’s final plans were drawn up by September 1880. He submitted three alternative schemes for consideration, with a range of costs. Carnegie himself took a keen interest in the details, suggesting that the ceiling heights be raised a foot (the suggestion was followed). He wrote to the Committee ‘I must beg of you to be forward in the extreme in suggesting what you deem best. I want to cooperate with the Committee to the fullest extent’ The plan chosen from Walker’s three suggestions was number 2, of which Carnegie wrote ‘I like no 2 so much that I beg to congratulate you upon it… it looks in every respect the Library building’. Drawing of the first and third designs are not known to survive, but they were more expensive than the design chosen, on account of having a tower. It is possible that the tower design was similar to the square tower Walker had designed for the Burgh Chambers (see below Section 2.6). The initial reading stock came from the donation of the entire stock of the Mechanics Library. A number of library owners had offered books from 1880 onwards, but the Committee had refused to accept any large numbers of books until they had the building to house them. One early book at least appears to have been accepted before this ‘The Symbolism of the Sculptured Stones of Eastern Scotland’ by Ralph Carr Ellison Esq SA Sc of Dunston Hill, Durham. Walker’s plans were for a library containing a Recreation Room, Library Room, Reference Library, a Gentlemen’s and a Ladies Reading Room, a flat for the librarian, a Smoking Room, and storage space. A small gap was left to the south between the building and St Margaret’s Hall, which had been built in 1867.

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Figure 46 Plan of the ground floor, Carnegie Free Library JC Walker 1880. DCLA

Figure 47 Plan of the roof, the intermediate stair, and the smoking room in the tower. JC Walker 1880. DCLA

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Figure 48 Principal elevation to Abbot Street JC Walker 1880. DCLA

Figure 49 West elevation to St Margaret Street JC Walker 1880. DCLA

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Figure 50 Rear elevation with section through staircase JC Walker 1880. DCLA

Figure 51 Rear elevation of Recreation Room , with section through the Reading Room, showing the hammer-beam ceiling JC Walker 1880. DCLA

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Figure 52 Detail of entrance door, with Figure 53 Detail of ironwork brattishing ‘CARNEGIE FREE LIBRARY’ and rising sun and decorative leadwork on top of north motif above panel for motto ‘Let there be west pavilion tower 1883 DCLA Light’ 1883 DCLA The initial preparation of the site proceeded smoothly, although costs rose slightly due to the need to divert the mill lade which ran under the building, and the need to strengthen the foundations. The laying of the memorial stone in 1881 was a highly significant local event. A half- day holiday for local businesses and factories was declared, and crowds of 7,000 people gathered to welcome Andrew Carnegie and his mother. The Dunfermline Journal described the ‘enthusiasm among the general community which characterised the ceremony of laying the memorial stone on the 27th July 1881, when Mr Carnegie and his friends received such an ovation as to mark out that day as being one never to be forgotten by those who witnessed what took place.14’

Figure 54 Painting by A Blair & W Geddes depicting the arrival of Andrew Carnegie and his mother to lay the foundation stone for the library 1881. Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

14 Dunfermline Journal Saturday September 1st 1883

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A painting (figure 54) was commissioned to acknowledge the ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone, and this is displayed at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. The painting is full of important symbolism. For example, it is noted that neither Andrew Carnegie nor his mother are the focal point of the painting: instead, the eye is led to the two young children in the foreground who are the clear focus of the painting. They represent the poor and less-advantaged who were to benefit from the free education that the library provided, reducing the disparity between then and the wealthier boys to the right who are seen to be laughing cruelly at them. Next to the two boys, and possibly connected, are two wealthy gentlemen: they represent those who voted against the foundation of the public library, and they are thus shown with their backs to the event, highlighting their suggested ignorance. A bottle was placed in the cavity of the foundation stone with a copy of the Scotsman, both Dunfermline newspapers and ‘specimens of the current coins of the realm, and a general description of the building’15 The men working on the library site were granted a ‘Founding Pint’ of 2/6d. The building was opened in 1883 by Lord Roseberry. This time the ceremony was less elaborate, although still including a hastily arranged half-day holiday, and a public luncheon in St Margaret’s Hall, with speeches and toasts. The Dunfermline Journal gave a description of the new building: ‘The building is situated, as most of our readers are aware, at the corner of St Margaret and Abbot Streets, from plans prepared by Mr JC Walker, architect, Edinburgh. The building, in style, may be designated “Domestic Tudor”, and presents a front to each street. The Abbot Street part is devoted to a gentlemen’s and ladies’ reading-room on the ground floor, and a library on the upper floor. This front measures 82 feet in length, and is two storeys high, with ranges of square-headed windows with single mullions, the rybates of the lower windows being plain moulded, and the upper having attached columns, with carved capitals. A moulded string course runs along the centre of the greater part of this front, and the wall is surmounted by a plain-moulded cornice, filled in underneath with blocks. The principal entrance is near to the corner of this front, which at this point is treated so as to give the appearance of a square tower, and is carried a storey higher than the rest of the building. The door piece slightly projects, the head of the entrance being a somewhat flat-pointed arch, deeply recessed, and supported at the sides by slender columns, with moulded bases and bands and carved capitals. The recessed portion of the arch is filled in with carved foliage, &c., and on the outer members are the words, “Carnegie Free Library”. The tympanum of the doorway contains a bas-relief of the “sun in splendour”, with the inscription “Let there be Light”. The doorway is finished above as a gablet, with carved stone finial. In the third storey of this part of the building is the smoking-room, having oriel windows in the two angles, looking to both streets. These oriels are supported by boldly-moulded corbels, and each is topped, as a turret, with a small, slated spire. The building at this point is 60 feet in height, and the higher portion is shown as being ornamented with string courses, the line of which is occasionally broken and runs round the windows, forming hood moulding to these, while the gablets are topped with stone finials. The St Margaret Street front is of much the same style as the other, and extends to 70 feet. This part of the design contains, on the ground floor, a dwelling-house of the librarian, and a large recreation room above. The front is divided by string-courses, which form hoods to the windows as in part of the north front, and in the centre is an octagonal tower

15 PLCMB 14th July 1881

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 35 rising to a height of 68 feet, and covered by a slated spire with an elaborate iron finial carrying the cardinal points. The upper windows in the southern part of this front are finished with gablets and fleur-de-lis ornaments. A space of 20 feet is left between the new building and St Margaret’s Hall, and this has been enclosed by a railing and ornamented with shrubs. The whole of both of the street fronts of the structure is built of stone “coursers”. The interior arrangements have been well planned, and consist of a library-room measuring 57 feet 3 inches, by 25 feet 6 inches; gentlemen’s reading-room, 34 feet 3 inches, by 25 feet 6 inches; ladies’ reading-room, 22 feet 6 inches, by 18 feet 10 inches; smoking-room, 28 feet by 16 feet; and a keeper’s house, containing three rooms and kitchen with other necessary conveniences. The ceilings of the reading-rooms are 15 feet 9 inches in height, and the library will have an open timber roof with laminated beams under the principals, and resting on stone brackets. The centre of this ceiling is 23 feet 6 inches from the floor. The entrance hall and corridors are laid with squares of marble concrete, and a spacious stone stair ascends from the hall. On the landing of the first flight of this stair is the entrance to the recreation-room, and a flight higher is that to the library. A third flight leads to the smoking-room. Lavatories are provided on the ground floor and in one of the flats. The whole of the premises are ventilated by Boyle’s patent ventilators, and heated by Purkins’ heating system of hot water and coils. Altogether, the design exhibits much skill and taste, and the institution is, indeed, an architectural, as well as an intellectual, acquisition to Dunfermline’ By the early 20th century it was clear that the building was too small. A polemical book ‘Problems of a Scottish Town’ was published in the town in 1902. One chapter covered the Public Library. In this, the building was severely criticised: ‘The Free Library is perhaps the most forlorn institution which the town possesses… the arrangement of the interior is faulty and objectionable. It has been planned without any real knowledge of the needs of a library… The present accommodation consists of a Lending Library, a Men’s Reading-room, and a Ladies Reading Room. In the centre of the Lending Library is a small Reference Department, and two small tables, each capable of holding four readers, are provided… The Men’s Reading-room has a most cheerless and forbidding aspect; its fittings are poverty-stricken, it is badly ventilated, and few who are not compelled to enter it would willingly do so. ….either a new library must be built, or the present building must be enlarged, and the interior rebuilt. … arrangements which an intelligent village would scarcely tolerate, must no longer be regarded as sufficient for a town of twenty-six thousand inhabitants.‘ In September 1905 Mr Peebles the Librarian moved out of the Library into a flat in town, allowing his flat to be converted into a Smoking Room and Recreation Room.16 The Reading Room and WCs were upgraded and redecorated, under the supervision of the architect Mr Muirhead, and the Dunfermline Archaeological Society also moved out. Their room was to be the new Reference Library. 3.5.2 Alterations and additions by J Shearer 1913-1922 By 1912 the PLC were even more concerned by the inadequacy of the building, and they wrote to Andrew Carnegie, expressing the ‘absolute need … for provision of further accommodation’. Carnegie replied with an offer of a further £5,000 for the purpose. The Annual Report by the Librarian for 1912 stated ‘Vigorous life permeates the

16 Mr Peebles had used the area beneath the windows of the Ladies Reading Room, between the Library and St Margaret’s Hall, to keep hens, which the Committee suggested in 1905 be removed.

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Dunfermline Public Library in all its branches… especially at the Central Library...which is now over 30 years old, has there been pressure and over-crowding’ Walker’s plan had left a gap behind the Library, and between the library and St Margaret’s Hall, and in May 1912 the architect James Shearer was asked to prepare a plan for an extension on the ‘vacant ground to the rear.’ Shearer’s plans were to cost £11,000 including his fees, but the Committee instructed him to proceed with the plans, while they approached the CDT for the remaining £6,000. By January 1913 the CDT had agreed to provide the remaining funds, and by the summer of that year, Shearer’s plans had been developed sufficiently to put the work out to tender. Interestingly, the initial plans included a small gallery linking the special collections room and the ladies reading room, but both Shearer and the librarian decided this idea should not be pursued, ‘even although structurally there is room for it, his reason being that the gallery would give a congested appearance to the end of the hall’. The General reading room was to be surrounded with low screens against which on the reading room side newspaper stands would be placed, the space above within the arches being left open. Work had begun on the site by midsummer of 1913, but just as the cost of the construction of the first library had risen due to problems with the mill lade, so in 1913 there was almost a year of delay while the owner of the lade and the Committee disagreed over the redirection of the water. Shearer used this delay to carry out a full revision of the plans (which the Committee had not asked him to do), altering - he said - nothing substantial, but making numerous small improvements. These alterations to the plans may account for the differences between the design of the stair tower (figure 59) and the completed building. The problems were finally resolved in August 1914, not an auspicious date to commence a new building. The Librarian’s Annual Report for 1913 described how the decision to extend rather than build a new library had been taken ‘because of its associations and its importance as the first free library established by Mr Carnegie, and (secondly) by the fact that it would scarcely be possible to find near the centre of the town a site more convenient than the existing one’ ‘The scheme which is now being carried out includes 1) the adaptation and refitting of the existing building and 2) the erection of new buildings over the area between the Maygate block of the present building and St Margaret’s Hall. The ground floor is planned to contain the lending library, the general reading room and a children’s library. The first floor is planned to contain a ladies room and the reference department. It is proposed to use the existing lending library as the student’s hall of the Reference Department. Opening from the student’s hall will be a gallery for special book collections. The fittings, which will be of the most modern description, will be carefully considered with regard to the comfort and convenience of readers. Throughout the new parts of the building an attempt will be made to use only unobtrusive elements of decoration, an atmosphere of quietness suitable to study being the first consideration in the design’ Shearer’s plans for the Library are preserved in Fife Council Archives (figure 55-61).

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 37

Figure 55 Plan of the ground floor, Dunfermline Library J Shearer 1913. FCA

The discontinuity in the ceiling beams on the ground floor (figure 55) which dated from Walker’s original building was retained, and Shearer’s design made no attempt to disguise this. The main space of the ground floor was designed as one large space, divided into separate functions by furniture, principally bookshelves. This may have been done with the intention of creating a flexible interior which could accommodate future changes in library practice.

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Figure 56 Plan of the first floor, Dunfermline Library J Shearer 1913. FCA

The plan of the first floor (figure 56) suggests that the south wall of the first floor was not taken down. The major engineering work of propping and inserting a beam seems to have been considered preferable to taking down and rebuilding the wall.

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Figure 57 Plan of the basement floor J Shearer 1913. FCA

The east wall of the book store in the basement (figure 57) was built on the line of the columns in the Lending Library above. This drawing shows book storage only in the area of the existing book store – the area to the east of the columns is blank. The change might have been associated with costs – columns and beams are more expensive than a single retaining wall – also possibly to do with the lade. The risk of flooding must have been a concern so maybe there is some sort of void or extra defence between the lade and the book store.

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Figure 58 Elevation to north, Dunfermline Library J Shearer 1913. FCA

The drawing for the north elevation (figure 58) shows a large ventilator fleche over the tower roof, possibly intended as the collecting point for all of the ventilation ducts in the building. The design is intriguing. It is the least historicist part of Shearer’s design. Some historical reference is made, but the sloping sides and shape of the silhouette seems to have been an attempt at new architecture.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 41

Figure 59 Elevation east to St Margaret Street J Shearer 1913. FCA

The drawing for the east elevation (figure 59) shows alterations to the part of Walker’s building which remained. The two windows originally rising with the stair have been blocked and altered. The central window has been taken out and the surviving window rebuilt level with the window to the north. The south window has been removed entirely, and the string course rebuilt to a horizontal line. A new window has been inserted to light the Librarian’s WC. The decoration of the tower gable, like the ventilator fleche, was not built to this design. The final design is simpler and flatter.

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Figure 60 Section of main reading room, entrance hall, stair tower J Shearer 1913. FCA

This section drawing (figure 60) shows the foundations of the building as normal, but with 15foot piles extending below. A pencilled amendment suggests that the piles were not needed, at least at the eastern block. The position and level of the lade culvert is clearly shown on this drawing. The openings around the central library space was at this stage proposed as an arcade. This would have produced an impressive grid of arches of five bays by three bays. The central space would have resembled a roofed-over courtyard or cloister. The piers are shown as intended from this early stage, but in this design the unadorned columns would have faded into the arches, instead of being unadorned capitals, with the outer point of the pier extended up the wall plane to form attached finials. The existing raised bands on the pier is a kind of memory of these arches, roughly at their springing point.

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Figure 61 Section of the main reading room, ladies room, children’s library. Note design of panelling and chimneypiece in reading room (to right hand side) J Shearer 1913. FCA

Construction of the library dragged out until 1917, when it was finally halted after Shearer was called up for military service in July 1917. The call-up of skilled and unskilled workers for the war delayed construction, and from May - November 1915 work was further retarded by a local joiners strike. Nonetheless, significant parts of the building were completed – the date on the exterior of the stair tower for Figure 62 Detail of stair tower instance, is 1915 (figure 62), and by the end of December 1915, the west basement was occupied. A new portion of the Library was opened in November 1917, as the Committee noted ‘in spite of all drawbacks’. In 1919 Andrew Carnegie died. Shearer returned from military service in 1919, and work began again on site. In February 1920 the Library Committee applied to the CDT for a further grant of £10,000, as the cost of the extension had risen, which was granted. In May 1920, the old staircase was demolished, and replaced by the new one. Shearer’s design for the staircase included a small window halfway up between ground and first floor, which provided a new framed view of the Guildhall spire.

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The balustrade was made by Thomas Hadden, a highly skilled craft designer, who worked extensively with Lorimer, including at the Thistle Chapel and the National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle (see below Section 3.7 Architects and Artists). Haddens also made the wrought iron decorations to the windows, and other interior work, including gates and rails. By 1922 the Annual Report was able to say that ‘This building has now been extended and the old portion modernised at a Figure 63 Window balcony, in Hadden’s cost of roughly £25,000. From an workshop c1922. DCLA architectural standpoint the structure now compares favourably with any library building in the country’

Figure 64 Reference Library c1921. DCLA Figure 65 Murison Burns Room, containing Burns collection pre 1934. DCLA In 1922 a major alteration to the internal layout was occasioned by an unexpected gift to the Library of the Murison Burns Collection. This was housed in a room on the first floor, and reached from the stair landing (figure 70 below). The 1913 drawings show this room had previously been planned as the Ladies Reading Room. By 1922 the changed social conditions of the country following the First World War may have made the segregation of the reading public by gender less important than it had been in 1913. Shearer designed all the oak fittings for the room, including shelves, glazed cupboards, and stands (figure 65).

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Figure 66 Lending Library, ceiling vault Shearer had been a pupil of JJ Burnet, and the Library extension is designed in a striking and unusual style. The Architects Journal published an article on the building in 1923, ten years after the building had been designed, but only about a year after it had been completed. In it the reasons behind Shearer’s designs were explained. The narrowness of St Margaret Street had caused him to design low relief mouldings and other details on the east elevation and the tower was built up ‘in planes that recede slightly as they rise. The illusion of an overhang, so frequently experienced in narrow streets, is thus counteracted’. Walker’s building was dismissed as ‘the sham Gothic architecture fashionable in the seventies and eighties of the last century’. Shearer had apparently worked closely with the engineers of the building, so that ‘the panels of the flat ceilings… are those that result naturally from the sizes and spacing of the concrete beams, and the arches and sub-divisions and coffers of the barrel vault (35ft clear span) all are indispensable elements in the structure, and nothing superfluous has been added.’ Shearer’s innovative plaster mouldings were made ‘light enough in weight for application direct to the rough concrete surfaces… the method is one our contributor would like to see more fully explored, for it seems that in this direction a more architectural use of reinforced-concrete than is usually practised might be reasonably sought….to try to dispense with the elaborate arrangements by which it is the custom to conceal the true line of structure’. Shearer was praised for the simplicity of the supporting columns in the Lending Library, bevelled for light, and calculated to bear the loads. Similarly, the fireplace in the recess (figure 68) combined ‘the scale of a medieval fireplace with the advantages in heating power, fuel economy and cleanliness of a modern grate.’ The Journal noted: ‘the Building is treated as a single unit… Every detail of the library equipment has been brought up to date, worked out in a severely practical spirit, and thus introduced as a note in the general scheme.’ The article concludes ‘The funds at the disposal of the architect did not permit of any lavish expenditure on detail, but what could be afforded for ornament has been spent on genuine craftsmanship’.

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Figure 67 Library with extension 1921. DCLA Figure 68 Interior with chimneypiece in the style of Robert Lorimer, Lending Library c1921. DCLA

Figure 69 Central staircase with Hadden Figure 70 View along first floor landing to ironwork c1923. DCLA Murison Burns Room c 1923. DCLA

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Figure 71 Carved joinery for the Library, by Scott Morton and Tynecastle Ltd of Edinburgh c1922. DCLA The interior of the building contains a chimneypiece in the style of Robert Lorimer in the main Lending Library (figure 68), together with carved joinery again in Scots Renaissance style (figure 71). There are humorous touches in the carved figures which sit on top of some of the bookcases – a monkey for instance reads a book titled ‘Tales from Darwin’ (figure 71). There was also some whimsical stone carving (figure 74), in contrast to the very plain columns, which meet the ceiling vault with no decoration whatsoever (figure 72), although a subtle difference in the level of finishing on the capitals might suggest that the raised capital bands were intended to be carved.

Figure 72 Library interior c1921. DCLA Figure 73 Hadden ironwork gates c1921. DCLA

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The ground floor layout depended on the position of the library shelves, and was therefore somewhat flexible. A number of undated plans in the Library Archive show other layouts. The Architects Journal published a plan in 1923 which also differs from the architect’s drawings of 1913. This may be an accurate plan (figure 76). The style of James Shearer’s reconstruction and additions is of interest. The commission for the Carnegie Library was early in Shearer’s career as an independent architect and the building shows various influences which are not as fully resolved as they would become as Shearer matured as an architect. The building contains a mixture of contemporary influences from the east and west of Scotland, as well as influences from further afield. The more traditional elements in the building reflects strong influence from the style of Sir Robert Lorimer. By this time, Lorimer was the dominant force in Scottish architecture, based in Edinburgh. Lorimer had a practice which depended on the type of buildings which had been considered the most important architectural works over the previous 100 years, such as churches, country houses and major public buildings. He developed a style which has sometimes been called Scottish Arts & Crafts. Although Lorimer did not give his craftsmen much freedom in design, his buildings are characterised by strong craftsmanship by a restricted number of artists, including Thomas Hadden. Lorimer’s style was closely based on Scottish Renaissance and Dutch precedents. Some of Shearer’s detailing at the Carnegie Library is strongly reminiscent of Lorimer. This includes the external elevation of the stair tower and internal details, such as the bookcases with heavy vine carving and monkey finial. The gable of the stair tower shows a Dutch quality particularly in the amended design that was built. The fireplaces also show a strong Lorimer influence, particularly the fireplace at the south end of the west part of the main library which has spiral or twisted mouldings on the columns to either side. This is a detail commonly found in Lorimer’s furniture which he derived from Dutch table legs. The diamond shaped piers around the central part of the library are also a traditional detail derived from Gothic architecture. This would be more obvious if the arches had not been deleted and replaced with lintels as the design developed. This profile of pier was used in church design by the most advanced architects, such as G F Bodely as far back as the 1880s. Lorimer worked in Bodely’s office for a short period. Balanced against this Edinburgh style, which looks back to the 19th century in its treatment of historic detail, is a more forward looking style which Shearer derived from his training in the office of JJ Burnet in Glasgow. Burnet’s practice was one of the most forward thinking offices in Scotland at the time. Burnet had trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and strong influences from architecture in the United States, such as the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and the shingle style of Greene & Greene. These influences can be seen in the very clean stripped back classical style in the stair case - with the exception of Hadden’s handrail - and in the main library. The deletion of the arches could have been a cost saving device but, alternatively, might have been a move away from the traditional style towards more contemporary influences.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 49 The interlocking shapes of the plaster work around the doors in the entrance and stair halls are strongly reminiscent of the American influenced work of Burnett’s office – a style which anticipated Art Deco. Shearer was to make a much stronger statement in this style at another civic building in Dunfermline – the Central Fire Station – in 1934–35 (figure 74). This mix of styles is not even throughout the building. There are some rooms which might look Figure 74 Dunfermline Fire more traditional than others. Possibly the most east- Station. ©RCAHMS SC383740. coast Lorimer-inspired room is the Special Licensor www.rcahms.gov.uk Collections room on the first floor. This has a plaster vault with enriched plaster decoration, almost entirely derived from examples of Scots Renaissance detailing. The cabinets which Shearer designed are in a late Georgian style. The way that light is controlled in this room is also derived from 19th century Gothic Revival country house design. The windows are dropped to floor level in the second bay north from the fireplace, in order to create a pool of light close to the fireplace gable. The reference here is ultimately to a medieval great hall in a college or a castle where the high table is raised on a dias and lit by a larger window. The opposite end in terms of this spectrum between east coast and west coast, or tradition versus modern influences, is the central library space. In the article published in the Architects Journal (see above) it is clear that concrete construction technology had a big influence on the form of this room. The room has a vault with a large amount of top lighting. The vault is defined by a series of concrete arched ribs. The decorative detail in this room is surprisingly minimal for the core space in such a significant public building. Where mouldings are used they are kept very small for the scale of the room. If the basic structural detailing and decoration is kept ‘modern’ in this room, then some other detailing was more traditional, including the arched door to the north west room with Figure 75 Carving in Lending Library Hadden gates and the imp carved at capital level next to it (figure 75). The furniture, bookcases, panelling and chimney pieces in this room are all more traditional and it is possible that Shearer intended a balance between an American influenced room and Scottish traditional furnishing which has been obscured by the rearrangement of bookcases and the loss of the lending library desk. If the speculation in this conservation plan that the capital bands were intended to be carved is correct, then this element would have helped to introduce a Lorimer or ‘Arts & Crafts’ element into this room which might have mitigated its slightly under- detailed quality.

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Figure 76 Plan of the ground floor J Shearer 1923. Architects Journal In 1934 the Committee decided to move the Special Collections Room to its present location, and to use the original room as a new Children’s Library. In 1936 a cinematographic projector was bought for showing films in the Children’s Room.17 The librarian and the Library Committee showed a particular interest in fostering reading habits in the children of Dunfermline from an early date. The Annual Reports from 1912 onwards make particular mention of this, including lists of books, with details of the children’s borrowing habits. A report from 1938 states ‘everything possible is done by the Library Staff to encourage children in the reading habit’, and noted that the Children’s Library was open for homework on four days of the week, with a special publication ‘The Open Door’ printed for children18. In the 1960s, St Margaret’s Hall, so long the architectural context for the library in St Margaret Street, burned down. Shearer’s extension had used the northern wall of the Hall as his southern boundary, and a new wall had to be built. The site was used as a car park. Following local government reorganisation in 1974, the library became the administrative headquarters of the new District Library Service. Some alterations to the interior were carried out, including the removal of the spiral staircase linking the ground floor and the basement (figure 77), and its replacement with a larger stair with straight flights.

17 Scotsman 31st Dec 1936 18 ‘Fiction for Library Readers’ V1 no 3 Jan 1938 article on ‘The Carnegie Libraries with special reference to Dunfermline-the first Carnegie Library’

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Figure 77 Spiral staircase from ground floor to basement pre 1974. DCLA

Another late 20th century alterations to the interior was the replacement of Shearer and Hadden’s serving counter (figure 78), which had been placed directly opposite the main entrance from the hall, with a larger round structure. Alterations were also made to the internal circulation arrangements of the entrance hall, with the door nearest the entrance no longer used. Figure 78 Lending desk c1930. DCLA Just as the demands for an extension to the Library at the beginning of the 20th century had taken a number of years to be met, so the need for a further extension at the end of the century was recognised for a long period. Dunfermline District Council had a place in its capital plan for extending the library for almost twenty years. The 1983 celebrations of the Library’s centenary raised its profile nationally and regionally, and further highlighted the importance of the building, and the need for an extension. L Dunkerley, architect for Dunfermline District Council, designed an extension on the site of St Margaret’s Hall, which was opened in 1993. The new building was designed with some sensitivity to the surrounding buildings. Sandstone was used for the exterior, and the pattern of Shearer’s windows was taken into account. Internal reorganisations included the loss of the former Childrens’ Library, which had previously been the Murison Burns room. This space was divided into a corridor and smaller offices. In 1983 formal celebrations were held at the Library to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founding.

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Figure 79 1993 Extension to Library from St Margaret Street

Figure 80 1993 Extension to Library seen from Abbey grounds

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Figure 81 Basement floor plan 1993. DCLA Figure 82 Ground floor plan 1993. DCLA

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Figure 83 First floor plan. DCLA Figure 84 Second floor plan 1993. DCLA

The extension contained a large local history room (figure 89), which catered for the increasing demands for research facilities for genealogy, and the increasing interest in local history.

Figure 85 East elevation to St Margaret Street, Architectural Services Dunfermline District Council 1993. DCLA

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Figure 86 South elevation 1993. DCLA Figure 87 West elevation 1993. DCLA

Figure 88 1993 extension, interior Figure 89 Local History department

In 2002 the International Federation of Library Authorities conference was held in Dunfermline Carnegie Library. The Library had been renamed in 2001.

Figure 90 Ironwork detailing on south elevation of 1993 extension – neatly copying figure 63.

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Figure 91 Plan of historical development, basement level

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Figure 92 Plan of historical development, ground floor level

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Figure 93 Plan of historical development, first floor level

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Figure 94 Plan of historical development, second floor level

3.6 Design Context and Development The context of the design of the library is important. The present surroundings of the study area have remained notably unchanged since the early 20th century, but the loss of St Margaret’s Hall in 1968 altered the setting of the Library considerably. The St Margaret’s Hall Company Dunfermline Ltd was founded in 187619 and the Hall built shortly thereafter. The building was designed by the architect John Starforth, for use as a public hall. It was used for instance for public lunches at the laying of the Memorial Stone for the Library, and at its opening ceremony in 1883.

19 NAS ref BT2/681 – the Registrar of Companies for Scotland

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The Hall occupied the entire site south of the original Library, now taken up in part by the 1993 extension, and partly by a car park.

Figure 95 Detail of aerial photograph 1936. DCLA Figure 95 shows the context of the development of the library. The square tower of William Burn’s parish church of 1821, built over the ruined choir of Dunfermline Abbey, (to the left of the photograph) is echoed by JC Walker’s vigorous Burgh Chambers (in the top right of the photograph), which has a small pointed turret tower at one end, and an imposing square tower with corner turrets and a soaring clock tower on a central spire. Walker used a similar Figure 96 South elevation of St Margaret’s turret tower on the 1883 library. St Hall 1950 Margaret’s Hall is the very large building with the French style mansard roofs and pairs of windows, adjoining the Library. South of St Margaret’s House, (on the bottom left of the photograph), is the large Abbey Brewery, a plain industrial building. James Shearer’s design is quite sensitive to the context of St Margaret’s Hall, perhaps more so than Walker’s ‘Domestic Tudor’. Shearer’s mansard roof and horizontal pairs of windows accord with their neighbour; Walker’s windows had been on different levels, and his turret related better to his own Burgh Chambers (figure 97) than to the immediate surroundings of the library20.

20 Walker’s unknown first and third designs for the library were more expensive than that chosen, due to having a tower – one might speculate as to his having proposed a square tower like the one on the Burgh Chambers

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 61 Figure 98 shows how the north side of the Library and 5-7 Abbot Street have developed. On the top line is the Commercial Bank building as it appeared when it was first built in 1838. There would have been buildings on the site of the Library to the left of it but their appearance is not known. The OS maps indicate a fairly small scale vernacular or light industrial buildings. It is likely that the Commercial Bank building would have been the dominant building in the group. The middle line indicates an arrangement which may not have happened in exactly this form. The Commercial Bank building is shown with the bay window which was Figure 97 Burgh Chambers proposed in 1882 to extend and provide more light to the telling room. At the same time, or shortly after, the first phase of the Carnegie Library was built on the plot to the right between it and St Margaret Street. The bay window extension was halted in the autumn of 1882, but it seems that the bay window must have been fairly well advanced because the same masonry appears to have been reused in the much more radical scheme which provided a new front elevation for the Commercial Bank shortly after the construction of the Carnegie Library. In this drawing, the Carnegie Library is shown with the iron brattishing in place on the pavilion roof to the right. In this initial phase of the design it is notable that the entrance tower and north west pavilion were clearly intended to balance each other. The brattishing rises to the same height, or slightly higher, than the finials on the corner turrets of the entrance tower. It has been assumed that the original colour of the windows on the Carnegie Library was close to the present red. Further analysis of the paint layers on the external joinery would be required to determine the exact original colour. The lowest of the three elevations shows the buildings after the completion of James Shearer’s extension to the Carnegie Library in 1913 – 22. The north front of the Library was left unchanged. The main effect of the tall, spire-like roof above the stair tower is seen in views up and down St Margaret Street. The effect of the change on the elevation from Abbot Street would have been relatively minimal. The main change from the previous drawing is the new front of the Commercial Bank building which, by this time, had become the headquarters of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. In this elevation the building is shown complete with stone balustrading across the head of the bay window and on the porch, which appears to have survived at least until the late 1930s.

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Figure 98 Development of the north elevations of Library and 5-7 Abbot Street S&B The building is also shown with both front doors in place on the double porch. The green colour on the windows is conjectural, although it is assumed that the windows would have been painted a strong colour rather than white, as was general Victorian practice. The present red colour might have been an alteration to match the library during the CDT ownership or since. This elevation is similar to the existing elevation, with the exception that the brattishing has been removed from the pavilion

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 63 to the right of the Library building. A link building has been formed at first floor level between the library and 5–7 Abbot Street, the right of the two doors to 5-7 Abbot Street has been blocked and the stone balustrading removed from the porch and bay window.

Figure 99 North west corner of Abbot Street and Guildhall Street c1910 DCLA Opposite the Library on Abbot Street, three domestic buildings were demolished for new Council offices in 1912 (figure 100). The cottage may have been of 17th century date, the other two buildings appear to be 18th century. No images of the building which previously occupied the Library site are known to exist. It is possible that it was a domestic building of a similar sort to those demolished opposite. Figure 100 Former council offices 1912, on corner of Abbot Street and Guildhall Street

3.7 Architects The following architects and designers have been involved in the design of the buildings which form the study area. 3.7.1 David Rhind 1808-1883 David Rhind was born in Edinburgh, the son of cashier to the Edinburgh Friendly Insurance Company, who had significant legal and professional connections. Part of his architectural training was in London, apparently in the drawing office of Augustus Charles Pugin. Rhind began practice in Edinburgh in 1828. His first commissions were from the Commercial Bank, probably through family connections there. During this period Rhind entered the competition for rebuilding the Houses of Parliament, but the design has been lost. Later in the 1830s Rhind entered and won the competition for the Scott Monument in Glasgow. Rhind's first major commission was the Head Office of the Commercial Bank of Scotland in George Street, Edinburgh in 1843, where he was given relatively free rein to design a bank to eclipse those of the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Rhind became architect to the Commercial Bank, designing virtually all its branch buildings. The most ambitious of these was the Glasgow branch (1845), in the style of a Roman palazzo, but nearly all the branch offices in smaller towns had real architectural distinction.

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In 1836, Rhind was elected to the Royal Society of Edinburgh and contributed to the Society for the Promotion of the Fine Arts in Scotland. He was a founding member and treasurer of the Institute of Architects in Scotland (1840), and in 1855 he became the first architect to be elected President of the Scottish Society of Arts. He was also a member of the Established Church and an elder of St Andrew's Church on George Street. In 1860 he extended the meeting hall of the General

Assembly of the Church in Scotland. Rhind also served as an architect to the Figure 101 Headquarters, Commercial Bank of Scotland, George St Edinburgh ©RCAHMS Prison Board, and built many Sheriff SC460217. Licensor www.rcahms.gov.uk Court houses, generally in a baronial style. His obituary in the Scotsman (May 1st 1883) noted: ‘In almost every provincial town of importance in Scotland the building in which the Bank’s business is carried on is generally a structure of considerable architectural pretension, from the pencil of Mr Rhind’ 3.7.2 Wardrop & Reid 1874 - 1883 The practice of Wardrop & Reid was formed in 1874, when James Maitland Wardrop took his chief draughtsman Charles Reid into partnership. James Maitland Wardrop (1823-1882) trained as an architect with Thomas Brown II of Edinburgh. Wardrop’s early designs were for the Prison Board of Scotland and his style was closely related to that of David Bryce. Wardrop went on to become one of the outstanding Scottish Baronial architects, comparable and probably equal with Bryce. His first major commission was Lochinch, built for the 10th Earl of Stair in the Scottish Baronial style. A Franco-Scottish interpretation of Scottish Baronial became a feature of Wardrop’s following projects, best seen at Stitchill, Roxburgh (1866) or at the Callendar Park, Stirlingshire (1869-77), which he remodelled as a vast symmetrical Francois I chateau. Further Scottish Baronial projects included Glenternie, Peeblesshire (1863), Ardwell, Wigtownshire (1869), Udny (1874) and Fairburn, Ross-shire (1877). In the enlargement of the 16th-century Z-plan tower house of Nunraw, East Lothian (1868) Wardrop achieved a form of authentic revivalism. His rebuilding of Barnbougle, Dalmeny, Edinburgh (1881) is another example of his particular style of thick walls, small openings and convincing detail. His sense for proportion is best displayed at Kinnordy, Angus (1879), an early-17th- century Scots style or at Beaufort, Inverness-shire, (1880). With Haddo, Aberdeenshire (1879) and the late-18th-century rebuilding of Barskimming, Ayrshire (1882) Wardrop was also a pioneer of the neo-Georgian movement of the Adam revival. He also rebuilt a large number of country parish churches in a distinctive early decorated style, notable Cumnock, Ayrshire (1864), Methlick, Aberdeenshire (1865), Stow, Midlothian (1862), and Ayton (1867) and Langton (1871) in Berwickshire. He was also a tactful restorer, as can be seen at Mid Calder, West Lothian (1863). Wardrop remained in partnership with Brown until 1873, then taking his chief draughtsman, Charles Reid of Elgin into partnership. After Wardrop’s retirement his

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 65 son, Hew M Wardrop subsequently merged the practice with that of Robert Rowand Anderson and George Washington Browne as Wardrop, Anderson & Browne. Charles Reid (1828-1883) was presumably an apprentice to his brothers in the family practice in Elgin in around 1841. He came to Edinburgh to become Wardrop’s chief draughtsmen and was taken into partnership in 1874, the practice then taking the name of Wardrop & Reid. 3.7.3 James Campbell Walker 1821 - 1888 James Campbell Walker was articled to William Burn in January 1842, through the influence of Onesiphorus Tyndall Bruce of Falkland. He worked with Burn in London but by the 1850s had returned to as David Bryce's principal clerk. He gained commissions for agricultural dwellings, which enabled him to set up practice on his own account in 1856 or 1857. In those early years he made his name as an architect of poorhouses, but also designed a number of sizeable villas with distinctive hammer-dressed long-and-short window dressings, two of which appeared in Blackie's 'Villa and Cottage Architecture', published in 1868. By the later 1860s he had established a broader-based practice, and was commissioned to design the substantial Blair Drummond, modelled on Burn's earlier unexecuted schemes for Fonthill, and the plain Waverley Hydropathic at Melrose in which he pioneered the use of mass concrete in Scotland. In 1875 he won the competition for Dunfermline Town Hall and in 1883 the competition for Hawick Town Hall, both outstanding buildings of the Bryce Franco-Scottish school with imaginative sculpture. After the death of David Bryce in 1876, Walker acquired a significant clientele for country house work which included the Duke of Atholl and the Earl of Home. 3.7.4 James Grant Shearer 1881-1962 James Grant Shearer was born at Morton Lodge, Dunfermline in 1881. Through the recommendation of Francis H Newbery, Director of Glasgow School of Art and art consultant to the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, he gained a place as an assistant in the office of John Burnet & Son in Glasgow 1901-1906. While there he studied at Glasgow School of Art. He commenced practice on his own at 1 Bonnar Street Dunfermline in 1907. Shearer's practice was immediately successful, and by 1912 he was sufficiently prosperous to undertake a study tour in Germany. The Carnegie Library was his first major commission. In July 1917 Shearer was called up for military service, initially with the Royal Highland Regiment at Norwich but from 1917 with the Royal Engineers. Shearer recommenced practice at Bonnar Street in 1919. He was formally appointed consultant architect to the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust in 1922, and designed the Carnegie Birthplace Memorial in 1925. Shearer travelled to the United States to visit Mrs Carnegie and the several Carnegie institutions in Pennsylvania in 1925. In 1935 he designed the Fire Station at Dunfermline, in a notably modern style. It was probably influenced by the Dutch architect Willem Marinus Dudok, but also suggests the work of Charles Rennie Mackinstosh. Shearer was appointed town- planning consultant to Dunfermline in 1938, and to Clackmannan in 1944. In 1946 he was invited to join the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board's panel of architectural advisers, leading to major work at Shin in Sutherland, Conon in Ross

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and Cromarty and Affric-Beauly in Inverness-shire, all of rugged masonry construction but stylistically with echoes of Burnet's work in the early 1920s and of W M Dudok. Shearer visited Dudok at Hilversum early in 1952 while representing the Royal Scottish Academy, which had elected him full Academician in 1948. 3.7.5 Thomas Hadden of Edinburgh 1901-1975 The architectural metalworkers company of Thomas Hadden of Edinburgh was established by Thomas Hadden in 1901. His nephew Robert Hadden took over the firm after Thomas Hadden’s death in 1940. The company ceased business in 1975. Hadden’s workmanship became known for its lightness in design, great technical skill and quality of work. The company benefited from the revival of decorative wrought-iron works at the end of the 19th century and the co-operation with architects and designers of the Arts & Crafts movement. Hadden’s characteristic style was influenced by traditional Scottish metalworking, such as still evident at Traquair House. His designs were inspired by nature and comprise animals, fruits, trees and flowers. The thistle and the Traquair lily were favourite motifs. Hadden’s success was recognised early in an exhibition at London’s Arts & Crafts Society Exhibition in 1910: ‘Three exhibits by Thomas Hadden, Edinburgh, whose work is a prominent feature of the Thistle Chapel, are not only highly recommended for their originality and design, but for the clever craftsmanship they display in their execution.’ Most of Hadden’s early work and his best-known commissions were with Robert Lorimer, with whom he worked for 30 years. At the Thistle Chapel at St Giles, Edinburgh (1911), Hadden’s work included wrought-iron gates and screen and the helms surmounting the stalls. Their medieval character mirrored Lorimer’s Gothic design. Hadden also worked with Lorimer on the Scottish National War Memorial, where he made the wrought-iron gates and the centrally placed steel casket. Other joint projects with Lorimer include Ardkinglass. In the 1930s Hadden worked with H Jefferson Barnes, Pilkington Jackson and Leslie Grahame Thomson. Commissions included the railings for Carlisle Cathedral and the decoration of the garden at Skirling, Peebleshire. This work included such famous pieces as the ‘Devil atop of the World’-weathervane. Smaller jobs included fire-irons, well-heads and light fittings for domestic projects, and even a large commission of horseshoes. At the height of success in 1910-1930s Hadden’s workshop employed up to 30 smiths for the hot work at the forge and the cold work at the bench. The increasing industrialisation of metalworking and a change in architectural style from traditional decoration to functionalism resulted in fewer commissions for Hadden’s workshop and the firm was wound up in 1975. 3.7.6 L Dunkerley, Dunfermline District Council Len Dunkerley was the district council architect responsible for the 1993 extension to the library.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 67 3.8 Summary Chronology 1835 Birth of Andrew Carnegie in Dunfermline 1848 Andrew Carnegie’s father takes his family to Pittsburgh, United States of America 1838-9 Dunfermline branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland built at 5-7 Abbot Street, architect David Rhind. Ground floor and basement used as bank and upper floors as house 1867 Free Libraries Act, allowing town councils to levy 1d library rates 1876 Dunfermline City Chambers built to design of JC Walker architect 1877 Public Baths and Gymnasium donated to Dunfermline by Carnegie 1878 St Margaret’s Hall built in St Margaret Street, architect John Starforth 1879 Carnegie indicates he will finance building of a library if the Town Council adopts the Free Libraries Act 1880 Dunfermline ratepayers accept levy for Library 1880 Architect John Campbell Walker commissioned by Public Library Committee to draw up plans for public library 1881 27th July Memorial stone laid at Library by Carnegie’s mother. Public holiday in Dunfermline 1882-83 Extension of Commercial Bank, 5-7 Abbot Street, architects Wardrop & Reid 1883 25th Opening of Free Library by Lord Roseberry August 1903 Founding of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust (CDT), grant of Pittencrief Park to Dunfermline 1903/4 New Baths and Gymnasium built, £20,000 donated by Carnegie 1904 CDT takes over share of management of Library with town council, along with Public Baths and Gymnsasium 1905 Plans to extend Library abandoned and renovations to existing building carried out 1905 Commercial Bank sells building at 5-7 Abbot Street to CDT for use as headquarters 1908 CDT gain access to 5-7 Abbot Street on completion of a new bank building on another site. First meeting 31st Dec 1908. 1911 Levy of 2d per £1 on local rates for Library 1912 May Architect James Shearer commissioned to design extension to Library, with £5,000 grant from Carnegie 1913 Plans for extension by James Shearer approved, with £6,000 grant from CDT 1913 –17 Extension and remodelling of Library, mostly complete by 1917

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1919 Death of Andrew Carnegie 1920 Completion of Library extension. CDT has contributed additional £10,000 1922 Management of Library passes to Dunfermline Town Council alone 1922 Donation of Murison Burns Collection, room designed in Library by Shearer to house it – shown as Ladies Reading Room in 1913 plans 1935 Children’s Library opened; Murison Burns collection moved to former Reference Library 1939-45 Basement of Library used by Civil Defence Unit 1952 Headquarters of CDT at 5-7 Abbot Street sold to Dunfermline Town Council as offices for Burgh Engineer 1958 CDT ends annual £400 grant to Library 1960s St Margaret’s Hall demolished following fire, south wall of Library rebuilt 1974 Library becomes headquarters of District Library Servvice 1975 5-7 Abbot Street becomes Technical Services Dept of Dunfermline District Council 1983 Centenary celebration at Dunfermline Central Library 1993 2nd Extension to Library opened, designed by Dunfermline District March Council Property Services Division, Chief Architect James Morrison. 1996 5-7 Abbot Street becomes Building Control for Fife Council (West) 2001 Library formally renamed ‘Dunfermline Carnegie Library’ 2002 International Federation of Library Authorities conference held in Dunfermline Carnegie Library 2007 Richard Murphy Architects win competition to design new museum and gallery extension adjacent to the library 2011 Plot of ground to the west of the library site is purchased from the Dunfermline Heritage Trust, increasing size of the study area.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 69 3.9 THE STUDY AREA IN 2012 The study area consists of three buildings, two adjacent, and one divided from the others by the short entrance road from St Margaret Street to Dunfermline Abbey. Aerial photographs shows how centrally placed the buildings are within the historic burgh (figure 102 and 103).

Figure 102 2009 oblique aerial photograph of Dunfermline town centre, showing Dunfermline Abbey and part of Pittencrieff Park. The study area is highlighted in yellow. ©RCAHMS DP072273. Licensor www.rcahms.gov.uk, edited by S&B

Figure 103 shows the High St, the spine of the medieval Royal Burgh, running east- west at a slight angle to Abbot Street, and highlights nearby buildings of particular historical interest, including Abbot House, now a heritage centre.

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Figure 103 2009 oblique aerial photograph of Dunfermline town centre, showing Dunfermline Abbey and part of Pittencrieff Park. The study area is highlighted in yellow. ©RCAHMS DP072281. Licensor www.rcahms.gov.uk, edited by S&B.

3.9.1 Dunfermline Carnegie Library The Library building consists of a 19th and early 20th century block, with an extension to the south built in 1993.

Figure 104 Entrance hall in 2012. Figure 105 Fireplace in main lending library.

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Figure 106 Main lending Figure 107 Fireplace Figure 108 Main staircase. library. converted for use as shelving.

Figure 109 First floor landing. Figure 110 Fireplace in Figure 111 Shelving detail in reference library. reference library.

Figure 112 Reference library. Figure 113 Murison Burns Figure 114 Detail of cabinet in room. Murison Burns room.

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Figure 115 Murison Burns room. Figure 116 Fireplace in Murison Burns room.

Figure 117 Fireplace dating from 1883. Figure 118 Fireplace in Reference Library, oak surround 1913-22, marble 1883.

Figure 119 Detail of ceiling plasterwork in the Figure 120 Unused doors in entrance hall. turret, Lecture Room, former Smoking Room.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 73 Condition summary The building is generally in good condition. The north elevation requires some repointing and other masonry repairs are required. Fixing points should be repointed. A structural easing is visible rising full height in the east bay of the central three bay section, and some stones have split here but no stone indents are required, just packing and pointing the open joints. On the east elevation the northern part is in fair condition but with some maintenance required, particularly at string courses. Some fixings should be repointed on the central section. The openings at basement level have a poor appearance which should be improved. The original iron brattishing on the north west pavilion roof has been lost.

3.9.2 Dunfermline Carnegie Library - Furniture A number of pieces of original furniture remain, including oak desks, chairs, bookshelves and display cases. Almost all of these were designed by Shearer in the early 20th century. Much of the shelving in the main lending library has been moved as the book stock has grown and floor layouts changed. At least one of the display cases appears to date from the 1883 building (figure 121). Figure 121 Display cabinets in entrance hall,

19th century.

Figure 122 Carved Figure 123 Shelving in main Figure 124 Tables in main timberwork in main lending lending library. lending library. library.

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Figure 125 Carved Figure 126 Shelving in main Figure 127 Table and chair in timberwork in main lending lending library. reference library. library.

3.9.3 5-7 Abbot Street 5-7 Abbot Street is a sandstone building, dating from the 19th century. The front, northern, third of the building was designed by Wardrop & Reid in 1883, and the rear portion was designed by the architect David Rhind in 1838. The interior of the building was converted from being the Dunfermline branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland in 1905, and has been in use as offices since then. It is currently used as the offices of Parks & Amenities, Fife Council.

Figure 128 Doorways 5-7 Abbot Figure 129 Detail of window, minor stone damage. Street.

Condition summary The north elevation is in good condition, with some individual points of stone decay. Cables should be removed, and original fixing points should be repointed where they are redundant. Some repointing is required in the pediment and on the chimney. The windows appear to be in fair condition, although some work to sills can be anticipated. The railings require overhauling and repainting. The original

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 75 gate survives to the western of the two doors, and this should be overhauled and repainted. The south elevation is in fair condition. Lighting and other cabling should be stripped away, and pipes should be overhauled. Redundant telephone cable brackets should be removed and fixings repointed. Inside the building, on the east wall of the entrance hall is a main entrance door to what would have been the banking hall. This has a glazed screen. The leaded glazing has some areas of bowing and damage. The stair window is a six light stained and leaded glass window. Some of this glass is cracked and other parts have been replaced with inappropriate glass, particularly the north centre roundel in the middle tier. There is a significant area of moisture ingress at the head of this window and in the cornice to the north. There is some cracking. If there are timber safe lintels above this opening they may well be rotten. On the lower edge of the stair window there is some suggestion of decay in the foot of the timber mullion. It is almost certain that splicing repairs will be required to this timber. In the south east room of the first floor there is a substantial crack along the cornice at the south wall running the full length of the room.

3.9.3 St Margaret’s House St Margaret’s House is a 19th century former manse, with slated pitched roofs, built of coursed, stugged, dressed sandstone. It is set in an area of garden at the entrance to Dunfermline Abbey, and backs onto the churchyard. The building has been in use as offices for several years, and has lost almost all of its historic interior fittings and decoration, with the exception of the staircase. Its exterior has also been stripped of a number of architectural features: decorative barge boards, sash and case windows and cast iron rainwater goods.

Figure 130 St Margaret’s House, looking east Figure 131 St Margaret’s House from to Abbey, Library extension to right. carpark.

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Figure 132 St Margaret’s House with view down St Margaret Street to south. Corner of 1993 Library extension to right, with short road leading to east gate of Abbey grounds.

Condition summary The building is generally in good condition, but there are some slipped slates and some decayed timber on the modern bargeboards. The chimneys appear in fair condition although they have an iron strap built to bind them together. This may be an over-reaction to fairly minor structural problems which could be dealt with by stone repair and repointing. On the west elevation there are three modern ventilators which are unsightly. Some pointing is required, particularly around the northern lintel on the ground floor. An opening has been made between this window and the bay using a concrete sill and concrete lintel and making very crude cuts through the existing masonry. Alarm boxes, cables, etc should be removed. On the main west facing bay a considerable amount of pointing is required, also a stone repair at a split stone caused by rust heave from an iron fixing. This is particularly in the area of the first floor sill and the ground floor lintel. A lack of pointing in these joints is the probable cause of the moisture noted inside. On the south elevation one vent should be repaired. The east elevation is generally in better condition than the west and the south sides. Some fixings should be removed. The downpipe to the south of the main entrance has been overflowing near to the pipe. Some weeds have become established in masonry. The main south west room on the ground floor has significant water staining in the west bay window at the cornice and also in riser below sill. The south east room on the first floor has some peeling paint under the head of the bay window roof. Most of the area around the house has been covered over with tarmac to provide parking. There are some concrete kerbs, and a ramp running south from the entrance. There has been some alteration to the levels here which has caused a concrete platform to be built in front of the main east door. There are mature trees on the ground which should be retained, including one possible significant tree.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 77 Some of the main bars on the late 19th century gates are rusting. These gates require an overhaul and repaint. The crooks have been replaced by modern bands fitted to the stone piers. The fixings from these bands are ferrous and have damaged the piers. This is damage by rust heave. The original crooks are visible in the north west pier. The piers have lost their heads which have been replaced by concrete caps. One of these is displaced.

3.10 Current Management of the Site 3.10.1 Ownership and Management The library site is own and managed by Fife Council. A plot of ground to the west of the site was purchased in 2011 from the Dunfermline Heritage Trust. The entire site will remain in the direct ownership of Fife Council. The library is currently managed as part of the Libraries, Arts, Museums & Archives department of Fife Council. In 2011 Fife Council announced that it would ‘deliver its theatre, library, museum, archives, and cultural strategy services through a new charitable organisation, Fife Cultural Trust (FCT)’21. Furthermore ‘FCT is expected to be operational on 1st October 2012.’22 Fife Council has stated that ‘all the libraries, museums and theatre buildings will remain in council ownership and will be leased to the new trust. The artefacts and art works in the museums’ collections, non- renewable library stock and archives will also remain in council ownership.’23 3.10.2 Current Use The library is used as a public library facility. Significant archive material is also held at the library with a local history search room also provided. In addition, the Fife-wide Libraries & Museums support services are operated from the library. 5-7 Abbot Street is currently in use as administration offices. St Margaret House has until recently been let to tenants but is currently empty. The open area of ground adjacent to the library and behind 5-7 Abbot Street is used as staff car parking. The recently-purchased plot between 5-7 Abbot Street and the Abbot House is also used for staff and volunteers car parking. 3.10.3 Current Management Policies The buildings are subject to Fife Council’s established management policies for maintenance and health & safety. 3.10.4 Statutory and Non-Statutory Designations, Policy & Guideline Documents • Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953, As Amended 2011 • Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 • Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 • Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)(Scotland) Act 1997, as Amended 2011 • Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) December 2011 • Scottish Planning Policy February 2010

21 www.fife.gov.uk, accessed 06-Apr-2012 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid.

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• Historic Scotland Guidance Note: ‘Managing Change in the Historic Environment • BS 7913 Guide to the principles of the conservation of historic buildings • Planning Advice Note (PAN) 65 – Planning and Open Space • Planning Advice Note (PAN) 78 – Inclusive Design • Fife Council – Dunfermline & The Coast Adopted Local Plan (Adopted April 2002), soon to be superseded by the Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan, expected to be adopted in Summer 2012. • Fife Council – Draft Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan policies: o Policy E2: Development within town and village envelopes o Policy E3: Development Quality – Environmental Impact o Policy E4: Development Quality – Design o Policy E7: Conservation Areas o Policy E8: Listed Buildings o Policy E9: Demolition of Listed Buildings o Policy E12: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites o Policy E25: Trees on Development Sites o Policy E26: New Tree Planting o Policy C1: Community and Leisure Facilities

3.11 Dunfermline Museum, Art Gallery & Library Project The original version of this conservation plan was commissioned in late 2006 by Fife Council to help inform early development proposals to create a new museum and art gallery facility adjacent to, and extending from the existing library complex. In July 2007 Richard Murphy Architects won a limited competition organised by the RIAS.

Figure 133 Unsuccessful competition entry Figure 134 Unsuccessful competition entry showing suggested extension, retaining front showing suggested extension, showing elevation only of 5-7 Abbot Street. complete demolition of 5-7 Abbot Street.

The project involves both alterations to the library, the partial demolition of 5-7 Abbot Street and infill construction adjacent to the library building. It is estimated that the project will cost £10.7m with £6.8m already allocated by Fife Council. A successful Round One application was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund in November 2010 and a Round Two application will be made in 2012 for £2.8m. The 2012 updated Conservation Management Plan is intended to support this application. It is proposed that the new extension will be completed in 2016.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 79

Figure 135 Developed scheme by Richard Figure 136 Developed scheme by Richard Murphy Architects, 2012. RMA Murphy Architects, 2012, showing view from graveyard. RMA

Figure 137 Developed scheme by Richard Figure 138 Developed scheme by Richard Murphy Architects, 2012, showing view from Murphy Architects, 2012, showing view from Abbot Street. RMA St Margaret Street. RMA

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4.0 ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 4.1 Introduction The Burra Charter provides the following definition of cultural significance: Cultural Significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations. Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. The following assessment of the heritage value of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library, 5-7 Abbot Street, and St Margaret’s House, with their associated settings, is based upon an analysis and understanding of the historical development of the site, including the tangible documentary and physical evidence, as well as intangible historical, social and spiritual associations. The assessment of significance establishes the importance of the three buildings as items of cultural heritage. To establish parameters for an appropriate future use, and the extent and design of any future works within the site, it is necessary to list and define the heritage value of the elements of the site. Each element of the study area has been graded according to its significance as an individual element and within the overall context of the site. The method for grading of significance is described in Section 6.0 following. This list should form the basis for policies which must be met in order to ensure appropriate conservation of the site and its components. An assessment of the significance of various elements should also help a designer to make the best of both the architectural qualities of the buildings and of the qualities of their setting.

4.2 Historical Significance Historical significance encompasses the importance of the relationship of a site to the evolving pattern of our cultural or natural history, or has a strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in our cultural or natural history. A site may have historical value because it has influenced, or has been influenced by, a historical figure, event, phase or activity, or as the site of an important event. For any given place the significance will be greater where evidence of the association or event survives in situ, or where the setting is substantially intact, than where it has been changed or evidence does not survive. However, some events or associations may be so important that the place retains significance regardless of subsequent treatment. The Dunfermline Carnegie Library was the first building in the world to house a free library paid for by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie went on to fund the building of over 2,600 free libraries, all over the world. This historical fact gives the Library outstanding historical significance. 5-7 Abbot Street is one of the earliest branches of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, designed by the architect David Rhind, and extended by the architects Wardrop & Reid. It was also the first headquarters of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. It is of moderate historical significance. St Margaret’s House is also of local historical significance, being the first base in Dunfermline for the Daughters of Charity, a Roman Catholic order of nuns whose primary work is actively to care for the poor, within the community.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 81 4.3 Architectural and Aesthetic Significance The importance of the structure in terms of its contribution to an understanding of the architectural and engineering development of the site and in a broader context locally, regionally or nationally. Aesthetic value includes aspects of sensory perception such as consideration of the form, scale, colour, texture and material of the fabric; the smells and sounds associated with the character of the place and its use. All three buildings within the study area make an important contribution to the streetscape of this historic part of central Dunfermline. The Library building is on a prominent corner site, and together with its neighbour 5-7 Abbot Street, forms a significant part of the architectural setting of the adjacent Abbot House. The north front of the Library remains as designed in 1883 by John Campbell Walker, who also designed the Dunfermline Burgh Chambers. The majority of the interior, and a large part of the west front, is by the architect James Shearer. The Library extension was one of his earliest buildings, and displays the influence of Lorimer, in its Scots Renaissance detailing, and of JJ Burnet, in the distribution of ornament on the exterior. The Library extension of 1993 is of neutral significance, although it was clearly designed to harmonise with the two earlier styles of architecture within the building, and is faced in sandstone. The architectural and aesthetic significance of the furniture collection that remains in the library is of considerable significance. Largely designed by James Shearer and constructed by Scott Morton and Tynecastle Ltd, many pieces include detailing that is of a very high quality. That these pieces complement the fixed panelling and other architectural detailing results in a holistic overall scheme that is still coherent, despite the changing nature of libraries in the intervening decades. 5-7 Abbot Street is a finely detailed, characteristic Victorian bank building, with an extension, including the entrance front, by the architects Wardrop & Reid. The quality of the interior of this building has been undermined by a number of interventions to form modern offices, and can be considered to be of less significance than the exterior. Nevertheless, the interior does still contain an elegant early Victorian staircase with a stained glass stair window, and the former banking hall contains a particularly fine neo-Classical marble chimneypiece. St Margaret’s House is a Victorian villa, not in itself of great architectural significance in its present state, as it has been stripped of most of its decorative features. However, its position at the entrance to the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey gives it considerable aesthetic importance, which outweighs its un-listed status, as, together with the 1993 extension to the Library, it frames an important view, and it can be seen from the grounds of the Abbey. Improvements to the appearance of this building would benefit the eastern end of the Abbey grounds and the views associated with this area. The aesthetic significance of its grounds has also been lessened, due to the replacement of the majority of the garden with car parking.

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4.4 Archaeological Significance The potential for the site to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of our cultural and natural history. The archaeological research value of a site will depend on the importance of the data involved, on its rarity, quality or representative nature, and on the degree to which the site may contribute further substantial information. The study area is within the historic grounds of Dunfermline Abbey and has considerable archaeological potential. Previous archaeological investigation uncovered a medieval midden, including medieval pottery. It is probable that planned future archaeological investigations on areas to be redeveloped will uncover further features of interest.

4.5 Landscape Significance Landscape significance includes the landscape as a whole, including important views and the contribution of individual features within the landscape. The three buildings, a portion of the Library car park, and the garden of St Margaret’s House can be seen from the surrounding streets, and in distant views towards Dunfermline town from the south. The view from the Abbey Grounds is also highly important. A number of trees in the Abbey grounds provide some summer screening for a proposed development to the rear of the Library, but in the winter months the site is clearly visible from the Abbey. The trees within the study are of lesser significance than those found in the grounds of either the Abbey or St Margaret’s House: many specimens are inappropriately placed, blocking key views of the Abbey from within the library, or are too close to buildings. The rear of the Library and 5-7 Abbot Street contains a car park, which is of neutral significance. The car park can be seen from the small road leading to the east gate to the Abbey Grounds, but is partly screened from within the grounds by the toolshed. This small building would have its significance enhanced if the metal shutters on the traceried windows were to be removed.

4.6 Social Significance Social value represents the strong or special association of the site with a recognisable community or cultural group for social, spiritual or cultural reasons. Dunfermline Carnegie Library is of great social significance within Dunfermline, as the central lending and reference library, and provider of other library services. It also contains the Local History collection, which is of much wider importance, and has become a centre for genealogical research for international visitors. This social significance is of long-standing, dating back to the laying of the memorial stone, when the town declared a half-day holiday, and crowds of 7,000 people gathered. There is some social significance to St Margaret’s House, as the first home of the Daughters of Charity in Dunfermline, but of a largely historical nature.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 83 5.0 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Dunfermline Carnegie Library the most important building of the three within the study area. It is of international historical significance, as the first of over 2,600 free libraries funded by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The Library is of great social significance within Dunfermline, as the central lending and reference library, and provider of other library services. It also contains a local history collection, which is of much wider importance, and has become a centre for genealogical research for international visitors. This social significance is of long-standing, dating back to the laying of the memorial stone in 1881, when the town declared a half-day holiday, and crowds of 7,000 people gathered. 5-7 Abbot Street is a finely detailed characteristic Victorian bank building, of overall moderate significance. It was designed in 1838 by the architect David Rhind for the Commercial Bank of Scotland. Dunfermline was among the earliest eleven sites selected for a branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, which went on to be the second largest bank in Scotland. The quality of the interior of this building has been undermined by a number of modern interventions. It contains an elegant early Victorian staircase and stained glass stair window, as well as a particularly fine carved marble chimneypiece in the former banking hall. St Margaret’s House is a Victorian villa also of local significance. The house was the first base in Dunfermline for the Daughters of Charity, a Roman Catholic order of nuns whose primary work is actively to care for the poor and sick, within the community. Prior to this it was the manse of the Free Church of Scotland. Its position at the entrance to the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey gives it considerable aesthetic importance, which outweighs its un-listed status, as, together with the 1993 extension to the Library, it frames an important view, and it can be seen from the grounds of the Abbey. Improvements to the appearance of this building would benefit the eastern end of the Abbey grounds and the views associated with this area. All three buildings within the study area make an important contribution to the streetscape of this historic part of central Dunfermline. The Library is on a prominent corner site, and together with the principal front of its neighbour, 5-7 Abbot Street, forms a significant part of the architectural setting of the adjacent medieval Abbot House. The north front of the Library remains as designed in 1883 by John Campbell Walker, who also designed the Dunfermline Burgh Chambers. The majority of the interior, and a large part of the west front, is by the architect James Shearer. The Library extension was one of his earliest buildings, and displays the influence of Lorimer, in its Scots Renaissance detailing, and of JJ Burnet, in the spare use of ornament on the exterior. The Library extension of 1993 is of neutral significance, although it was clearly designed to harmonise with the two earlier styles of architecture within the building, and is faced in sandstone. The study area is within the historic grounds of Dunfermline Abbey and has considerable archaeological potential. There is some social significance to St Margaret’s House, as the first home of the Daughters of Charity in Dunfermline, but of a largely historical nature.

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6.0 GRADING OF SIGNIFICANCE 6.1 Introduction The various elements of the site have been assessed and graded to assist with the future conservation and management of the site and its elements. Grading of the individual elements of the site is based on the contribution it makes to each aspect of significance, (i.e. historical, archaeological, architectural and aesthetic, landscape, social and spiritual and ecological) whether it be at a local (within Dunfermline), regional (within Fife), national (within Scotland) or international level. The elements of the building and site are graded according to the following criteria: Elements of Outstanding Significance A building or element of national or greater importance, or a fine, intact or little altered example of a particular period, style or type that embodies the importance of the building or site overall. Elements of Considerable Significance A building or element of regional (or more than local) importance, or a good example of a particular period, style or type with a high degree of intact original fabric, which contributes substantially to the importance of the building or site overall, or the element of which it is a part. Elements of Moderate Significance A building or element of local importance, or an element that contributes to, but is not a key element of the importance of the building or site overall, or the element of which it is a part. Neutral Elements An element which neither contributes to, nor detracts from the importance of the building or site overall. Negative Elements A building or element which detracts from the overall significance of the building or site overall.

6.2 Graded Elements See also figures 141-144. Element Level of Significance Notes Dunfermline Carnegie Library, excluding 1993 extension

Exterior walls - overall Considerable

Interior walls – overall Considerable

Exterior walls - north Considerable Unaltered Walker elevation

Exterior walls – east Considerable Walker and Shearer

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 85 Element Level of Significance Notes

Exterior walls – south Moderate Shearer, secondary elevation

Exterior walls - west Moderate Shearer, secondary elevation

Interior

Basement: walls Moderate

Basement: interior spaces Neutral

Ground floor library Considerable Shearer

North west office and north Moderate Spaces designed by Walker, part of library altered.

Entrance hall and stair Considerable

Panelling, oak library Considerable Designed for the building by shelves, chimneypieces Shearer

Oak furniture including Considerable Mainly designed by Shearer desks, chairs moveable and for the Library, few Victorian fixed shelves and display pieces cases

All interior ironwork, Considerable Fine ironwork by Hadden’s including staircase

Dunfermline Carnegie Library, 1993 extension

Exterior walls – east Neutral

Exterior walls – south Neutral

Exterior walls – west Neutral

Interior – general Neutral

Car park and setting

Low walls within carpark Neutral

Walls and railing at Moderate Part of boundary to Abbey boundary grounds - could be improved

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Element Level of Significance Notes Trees and planting within Neutral General low quality planting, study area inappropriate trees that block views or are too close to buildings: apparently planted to screen buildings in study area from Abbey.

5-7 Abbot Street

Exterior walls -general Moderate

Bridge to Library Negative

Interior general Moderate

Blocked entrance doorway Negative

Modern partitions in Negative reception

Staircase and stained glass Moderate 1838 stair window

Chimneypieces Moderate Generally marble, some painted, mainly 1838 date

Chimneypiece in former Considerable Very fine carved marble, early banking hall 19th century

Original joinery Moderate

St Margaret’s House

Exterior walls - general Moderate upvc windows Negative upvc rainwater goods Negative

Tarmac in grounds Negative

Interior – general Neutral

Staircase Moderate Well detailed Victorian staircase

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 87 Element Level of Significance Notes Views

Along Abbot Street, east Considerable and west

To Abbey from St Margaret Considerable Street

From Abbey to Library Considerable Alterations must not detract from historic setting

From Library stair window Considerable Frames view of Tolbooth along St Margaret Street

From south of Dunfermline, Considerable Alterations must not detract towards Abbey from this view

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Figure 139 Site plan showing significance of study area and surrounding buildings. S&B

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 89

Figure 140 Site plan showing significance of views within study area and surrounding area. S&B

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Figure 141 Basement plan showing graded levels of significance. S&B

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 91

Figure 142 First floor plan showing graded levels of significance. S&B

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Figure 143 First floor plan showing graded levels of significance. S&B

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 93

Figure 144 Second floor plan showing graded levels of significance. S&B

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7.0 CONSERVATION ISSUES 7.1 Introduction Following the historical analysis and identification of the cultural significance of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library, 5-7 Abbot Street, St Margaret’s House and their elements and setting, this section assesses the particular issues, problems and sensitivities that affect the site. In summary, they have been identified as follows:

• Conservation and the Existing Fabric • Maintenance • Use • Statutory & Non-Statutory Constraints • Safety, Vandalism & Security • Public & Disabled Access • Management • New Work & Alterations • Interiors & Furniture • Setting & Boundaries • Effects on the Environment & Climate Change • Interpretation & Understanding • Management of Information Policies that respond to this assessment of risks and opportunities are identified and discussed in Section 8.0 following.

7.2 Conservation and the Existing Fabric 7.2.1 Significance Dunfermline Carnegie Library and 5-7 Abbot Street are both category B listed buildings and recognised as important buildings on a more than local/regional level. There is now an excellent opportunity to conserve, maintain and significantly extend the existing fabric of the library in order to enhance a valuable heritage asset in Dunfermline. The library currently plays key role in the overall appreciation and interpretation of the wider area. It is important to retain the overall significance of the buildings during any proposed work on the site. However, it is recognised that some change will be required to 5-7 Abbot Street and to parts of the library to accommodate the intended new museum and gallery. This new use will allow the retention and enhancement of all the significant features of the library and of the key features of 5-7 Abbot Street, i.e. the principal and partial side elevation. It is recognised that interior elements of 5-7 Abbot Street will be lost in order to facilitate the new project, but this should be seen in the context of providing a new use which is of greater importance to Dunfermline, and with an architectural intervention that may in time prove to be of greater significance. Detailed discussion and policies can be found in the following Section 8.3.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 95 7.2.2 Library The Library building is on a prominent corner site, and together with its neighbour 5- 7 Abbot Street, forms a significant part of the architectural setting of the adjacent Abbot House. The north front of the Library remains as designed in 1883 by John Campbell Walker, who also designed the Dunfermline Burgh Chambers. The majority of the interior, and a large part of the west front, is by the architect James Shearer. The Library extension was one of his earliest buildings, and displays the influence of Lorimer, in its Scots Renaissance detailing, and of JJ Burnet, in the distribution of ornament on the exterior. Much of the fixtures and fittings designed as part of this phase survive, with some particularly noteworthy and attractive pieces, such as the carved timber by Scott Morton and Tynecastle Ltd. The Library extension of 1993 is of neutral significance, although it was clearly designed to harmonise with the two earlier styles of architecture within the building, and is faced in sandstone. There is a risk that if the main entrance to the library is relocated to the new extension, that the outer doors of the existing entrance are kept shut, presenting a ‘closed sign’ to the street. There is an opportunity to use the space behind the door for alternative uses, or perhaps as an exit only: in either case the existing doors should be repaired and remain in situ, with consideration made to ensuring the outer doors are kept open during normal hours of operation. 7.2.3 5-7 Abbot Street 5-7 Abbot Street is a finely detailed, characteristic Victorian bank building, with an extension, including the entrance front, by the architects Wardrop & Reid. The quality of the interior of this building has been undermined by a number of interventions to form modern offices, and can be considered to be of less significance than the exterior. Nevertheless, the interior does still contain an elegant early Victorian staircase with a stained glass stair window, and the former banking hall contains a particularly fine neo-Classical marble chimneypiece. It is proposed that much of this building behind the front elevation will be demolished. This is an example of where the opportunity of the redevelopment and extension behind this elevation outweighs the loss of elements of significance, which have been assessed as being of moderate or neutral. There is a risk that the interpretation of the front elevation is clouded by being a façade only. The notion of ‘facadism’ is largely discredited, and care will need to be taken to ensure that the architecture of the new is suitably robust and incorporates the remaining elements effectively to ensure they are an active part of the composition of the building as a whole. Retention of a partial return elevation to the lane would both give the retained fabric visual integrity but would maintain oblique views from Abbot Street. There is also the opportunity to repair the front elevation. In the mitigation of the loss of interiors, there is the opportunity to salvage the elements of greatest significance and re-use the features either in the proposed project or elsewhere. 7.2.4 St Margaret’s House St Margaret’s House is a Victorian villa, not in itself of great architectural significance in its present state, as it has been stripped of most of its decorative features. However, its position at the entrance to the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey gives it considerable aesthetic importance, which outweighs its un-listed status, as, together with the 1993 extension to the Library, it frames an important view, and it can be seen from the grounds of the Abbey. Improvements to the appearance of this

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building would benefit the eastern end of the Abbey grounds and the views associated with this area.

7.3 Maintenance The buildings in the study area have been regularly maintained. The library, as the most widely-used building open to the public has required the greatest level of maintenance. In particular, this has involved: repairs to the roof over the adult lending department to solve ongoing problems with water ingress, completed in late- 2011 and a completely new fire alarm system installed in 2011. 5-7 Abbot House has also been regularly maintained, but not to the same level as required for the library given its different usage. St Margaret House has also been maintained, although periods of vacancy between lets present a risk that ongoing maintenance or repairs are not identified as early as would normally be the case. The library will require a maintenance plan which should be updated to include the proposed new museum and gallery extension when completed. This will take into account future changes in management with the transfer of operations to the Fife Cultural Trust.

7.4 Use The Library is currently used as the central public lending and reference library for Dunfermline, and contains an IT Learning Centre and computer suites, a local history archive, and administration offices. 5-7 Abbot Street is used as offices of Parks & Amenities, Fife Council, although much of the office space has already been decanted. St Margaret’s House is currently empty having been recently vacated by the previous tenant. Although no long-term use has been identified, it has been acknowledged that the building may provide suitable overspill accommodation during future building works as part of the museum and gallery project. After these works have been completed, it may be surplus to Fife Council requirements. Fife Council previously placed the property on the open market, but this was unsuccessful. There remains a risk that if a long-term use is not found, and the condition makes the building unattractive in a slow property market, that the building remains empty.

7.5 Statutory & Non-Statutory Constraints Both the Library and 5-7 Abbot Street are category B listed. Listing gives a building statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration and extension. Listed Building Consent from Fife Council will be required prior to any programme of conservation and alteration works for the listed buildings. Additionally, Scottish Ministers must be notified of any planned alterations or interventions to listed buildings owned by Fife Council. Any new building which affects the surroundings of the category A listed Dunfermline Abbey will also require Listed Building Consent. The study area itself is not recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), but is in the immediate vicinity of the monument known as Dunfermline Abbey, abbey, palace, gatehouse and graveyard.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 97 The whole of the study area, including St Margaret’s House, is within the boundary of the Dunfermline Conservation Area. This means that some otherwise permitted development rights are restricted and require planning permission. Statutory protection is a positive step for the protection of valuable heritage assets. It emphasises the importance of the buildings in a regional and national context. The library is an important building in the centre of Dunfermline and it is to continue to be protected with the aim to restore and enhance the building.

7.6 Archaeological Issues As part of the museum and gallery extension project, funds have been allocated for archaeological investigations on areas of existing open ground that are to be developed. This offers the opportunity to discover more about Dunfermline’s past in an area likely to be of great archaeological potential. Whilst much of this area is not known to have been developed in earlier times, there is a risk that archaeological investigations find features that are of greater interest than expected, with a resulting delay in development, and increased costs. Advice from the Fife Council archaeologist and other archaeology professionals will help ensure that the proposed investigations are appropriate planned and these risks mitigated.

7.7 Safety, Vandalism & Security There are no outstanding health and safety issues. The usual precautions taken and legislated for with regards the future building project will apply. There is an ongoing risk of vandalism as with any public building. However there is no greater risk prevalent in this part of the centre of the Dunfermline than in other urban centres, and usual vigilance should continue. Any vandalism that does occur should be dealt with appropriately, with due consideration for minimising impact on the historic fabric. Given the significance of some of the collections held at the library, security is an ongoing concern. Access to parts of the library is necessarily restricted: there may be an opportunity to investigate enhanced security systems as part of the proposed museum and gallery project. It will be particularly important to ensure that the construction site is kept secure, with such works often presenting numerous methods of access, for example via scaffolding, temporary access arrangements, and with security mitigated by general disruption and increased activity. It may be desirable to restrict access to certain areas during works, or relocate particular services to other parts of the building or elsewhere to minimise risks to users or collections. It is envisaged that with the completion of the museum and gallery extension, public access will be provided via the new extension. It is likely that security concerns will mean that the existing entrances to the library provided on Abbot Street and St Margaret Street will be closed. Ultimately, the enhanced activity and variety of use of the completed project will help to ensure that the wider area is both more secure and better appreciated: the generally untidy appearance of 5-7 Abbot Street and the car parking areas to the rear at present do not enhance appreciation or instil respect. If St Margaret’s House continues to remain empty, there is an increased risk of vandalism occurring and unauthorised entry leading to damaged interiors. The

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perimeter fence and gates should be maintained, and the building regularly inspected.

7.8 Public and Disabled Access Only the Library is open to the public, with most departments fully accessible, including adult lending, children's, reference, local studies, learning centre, meeting rooms and toilets. Further administration areas and storage facilities have restricted access and this will continue to be the case. The public areas of the building are fully accessible, with automatic door and lift available via the St Margaret Street entrance. The lift within the 1993 extension provides access to upper floors. Neither 5-7 Abbot Street nor St Margaret’s House are open to the public. Neither of these buildings are fully accessible, although alterations have taken place to provide wheelchair access to the ground floor of St Margaret’s House. It is envisaged that the museum and gallery extension will provide significantly enhanced public access. This will be on an equal basis, with segregation between principal public entrance and accessible entrance avoided. There is an opportunity to increase public access to important areas of the library, such as the Murison Burns room which at present is largely restricted. With the relocation of collections, this important and attractive room could be made available for public use. It is unlikely that public access to the former lecture room in the tower would be feasible, although the option should not be entirely discounted.

7.9 Management The library site is currently owned and managed by Fife Council. The entire site will remain in the direct ownership of Fife Council. The library is currently managed as part of the Libraries, Arts, Museums & Archives department of Fife Council. In 2011 Fife Council announced that it would ‘deliver its theatre, library, museum, archives, and cultural strategy services through a new charitable organisation, Fife Cultural Trust (FCT)’24. Furthermore ‘FCT is expected to be operational on 1st October 2012.’25 Fife Council has stated that ‘all the libraries, museums and theatre buildings will remain in council ownership and will be leased to the new trust. The artefacts and art works in the museums’ collections, non- renewable library stock and archives will also remain in council ownership.’26 It is envisaged that a 10-year maintenance plan will be agreed to by both parties to ensure that responsibilities of both are clearly assigned and maintenance and improvement programmes continue. This new arrangement will apply to the existing library and to the redeveloped 5-7 Abbot Street site. It is likely that St Margaret’s House will remain in the direct management of Fife Council, at least in the immediate short term.

24 www.fife.gov.uk, accessed 06-Apr-2012 25 Ibid. 26 Ibid.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 99 7.10 New Work & Alterations This study has been commissioned as part of a wider study into opportunities for the development of a Dunfermline Museum and Art Gallery, ‘Royal Dunfermline: A Story to Weave’. A significant development within the study area is proposed. There is a risk of the extension impacting on the context of the Abbey and the graveyard – in effect the Scheduled Ancient Monument – as it is proposed that the rear of 5-7 Abbot Street is demolished and currently open space is used for the extension. Although this risk is present, it also offers a unique opportunity to improve the aspect from the environs of the Abbey. The rear elevations of both the library and 5-7 Abbot Street are of lesser significance and do not address the Abbey in any way. There is therefore the opportunity, if designed carefully and appropriately, to create a building that fully addresses the Abbey, allowing for improved views and appreciation of the historic site from within the study area, and presenting elevations that are of a high quality design. There are opportunities to improve the existing buildings, either associated with the museum and art gallery project, or as part of the future management of the sites. There is a general opportunity to improve public access to these buildings, and to restore their place as publicly accessible buildings in the centre of the Heritage Quarter. Specifically, there are opportunities to reinstate the decorative iron brattishing and finials to the roof, as shown on historic photographs and drawings. The interior colour schemes in the Library should be investigated and could be restored. There is an opportunity perhaps to introduce decorative carvings to the capitals of the pillars in the lending library. Currently inaccessible parts of the building, could have a more accessible use, for example the Murison Burns room or the former lecture room on the second floor. There is an opportunity significantly to improve the exterior appearance of St Margaret’s House, including the restoration of the decorative barge boards, reinstatement of the original exterior colour scheme, removal of all upvc windows and reinstatement of timber sash and case windows with lying panes, and the cleaning and repainting of the stair balustrade. On the front elevation of 5-7 Abbot Street, the original arrangement of paired entrance doors could be reinstated, at least visually. Whilst the interior is likely to be demolished, there is an opportunity to salvage interior features of interest either for reuse elsewhere in the extended library site, within St Margaret’s House, or sent to architectural salvage.

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Figure 145 Proposed restoration of St Figure 146 Proposed restoration of St Margaret’s House, west elevation Simpson & Margaret’s House, east elevation Simpson & Brown Brown

7.11 Interiors & Furniture Change to interiors does present some risk, in particular with the requirement to change and update fixtures and fittings. With changes in layout, new openings, and reconfigured circulation, it is probable that some fixtures may become redundant. Much of the original shelving is too tall for today’s requirements. There is a reluctance to use upper shelves that require ladders or stools to access for obvious safety reasons. Furthermore, the current approach to library interiors is to make them open plan, with the ability to see over low shelving bringing both lighter, more approachable interiors and increasing security. Finally, books have tended to get larger, out-growing older shelving – particularly non-fiction. Important examples should be re-used or reconfigured where possible by making alterations to suit new uses. It may be possible, for example, to reduce the height of many pieces. Older, shallower shelving could also be used for fiction, with deeper modern shelving being used for non-fiction. There is also an opportunity to ensure that features of significance have unsuitable later alterations – e.g. inserted heaters, cabling, or signage – removed, and for panelling currently hidden by later shelving revealed. There are many high quality pieces of furniture in both the ground floor main lending library and upstairs in the reference room. Solid oak tables ad chairs are still widely used. These items continue to be useful and are not likely to be at any risk of redundancy. Nevertheless, care should be taken to ensure that they are used appropriately, and continue to be maintained.

7.12 Setting & Boundaries The Dunfermline Carnegie Library is on a prominent corner site in the centre of Dunfermline. With the front elevation of 5-7 Abbot Street it forms a cohesive late- 19th century and early 20th-century composition that complements the character of the wider conservation area. The setting has changed since St Margaret’s Hall was demolished and ultimately replaced by the library extension: the extension had a significantly smaller footprint

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 101 than the hall, and thus the open space behind is relatively recent. This area, and the areas behind and adjacent to 5-7 Abbot Street are primarily used for car parking, with low-quality surface treatments and inappropriate planting that contrasts with the high quality mature planting found in the graveyard and the garden of Abbot House. The site is fortunate in that it does not suffer from excessive traffic noise. Abbot Street has been narrowed and limited to one-way traffic, and the narrowness of St Margaret Street also limits through traffic. It is likely that the new museum and gallery project will increase pedestrian traffic along Abbot Street, which will be to the benefit of neighbouring attractions and shop premises, which will help improve the amenity of the immediate area. There is an opportunity to further enhance the public realm in the immediate area. The study area is identified as an area of archaeological interest in particular because of its proximity to the abbey and its location in the centre of an historic burgh.

7.13 Effects on the Environment & Climate Change The reuse of the existing buildings retains the energy embodied in their original construction. Any proposed structures should be designed to complement the existing buildings, but also incorporate energy efficient technologies and environmentally sound materials. Whilst parts of 5-7 Abbot Street are likely to be demolished, there is an opportunity to ensure that building materials, interior fixtures and fixings are salvaged for re-use elsewhere, ensuring that their embodied energy is not lost and material sent to landfill is limited. Climate change, in particular increased rainfall, will continue to cause challenges to the existing library building as water ingress has proven to be the main cause of material failure in the building. In repairing gutters and rainwater goods, the likelihood of increased rainfall should be taken into account in designing replacements. Larger gutters or a greater number of conductor pipes would both help to increase the provision for increased rainfall.

7.14 Interpretation & Understanding As a public library, the current site already provides a significant educative role in the community. Nevertheless, there is a substantial opportunity for the site to provide a stronger interpretative role for the local community and visitors to the town, whilst complementing nearby historical attractions. It is recognised that it will not be possible to provide access for all visitors to all parts of the building for a variety of reasons such as physical access restrictions, health and safety, or for management reasons. Ways of presenting the inaccessible parts of the building that are considered important for visitors to understand the site should be explored as part of an Interpretation Plan. It is possible that the project to extend the library as part of the museum and gallery project may offer the opportunity to provide specialist training in conservation work during any conservation phase, demolition work and construction. Conservation professionals are committed to ongoing training and teaching of students and colleagues during involvement in such projects. Skills development could include

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masonry conservation and repair, stained glass salvage and repair, slate roof repair and leadwork, and the reuse and repair of architectural salvage.

7.15 Management of Information This conservation management plan aims to aid in the conservation, repair and partial redevelopment of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library site by providing a thorough understanding of the history, significance and issues facing the building. The plan is to be adopted by Fife Council and the future Fife Cultural Trust, future tenants of the building if applicable, as well as consultants and contractors working on the building. It will be the responsibility of the owner and/or building manager to ensure that the conservation management plan is disseminated to all relevant stakeholders for their information.

Figure 147 General view along Abbot Street towards the library. S&B

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 103 8.0 CONSERVATION POLICIES 8.1 Introduction There are a number of reasons for the preservation of a building, setting and overall landscape on cultural grounds. One is historical: for the information or evidence of the past embodied in it. In this historical case, the aim would be to conserve the fabric as found using the principles of current best conservation practice. Another reason is aesthetic: for its beauty; for its value as a work of architecture; where the original or secondary design is considered to be the part which gives the building significance. A further reason is social: for the value embodied in both the tangible and intangible attributes of the site to the local and wider community. Nearly all buildings are built with the intention that they should look well, in addition to being sound and useful. The beauty of a building, or a work of architecture, may depend on these intended or formal aesthetic qualities of its design. Unlike historical authenticity, which once lost can never be regained, the lost or embodied beauty of a building may often be recovered, through a combination of conservative repair and restoration. In most circumstances it is the building as a whole which is of value, the internal structure as well as the exterior and the setting. A traditional craft-based approach to repair, replacing decayed material on a like-for- like basis is preferred, although there may be occasions when it is more appropriate to use non-traditional materials and methods if these are more discreet and allow more existing fabric to remain undisturbed. Future works to the Library, 5-7 Abbot St and St Margaret’s House could concentrate on the conservation and repair of the existing buildings, with the possibility of adaptation of the existing buildings and development of the site. 8.1.1 Definitions The following definitions have been taken from the British Standard BS 7913:1998, Guide to the principles of the Conservation of Historic Buildings. Alteration Work to change or improve the function of a building or artefact or to modify its appearance. Conservation Action to secure the survival or preservation of buildings, cultural artefacts, natural resources, energy or any other thing of acknowledged value for the future. Design An abstract concept of a building or artefact. It can exist in the mind or on paper and if realised, it can be represented in the building or artefact itself. Fabric Physical material of which a building or artefact is made. Intervention Any action which has a physical effect on the fabric of a building or artefact.

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Maintenance Routine work necessary to keep the fabric of a building, the moving parts of machinery, grounds, gardens or any other artefact, in good order. Preservation State of survival of a building or artefact, whether by historical accident or through a combination of protection and active conservation. Protection Provision of legal restraints or controls on the destruction or damaging of buildings or artefacts, natural features, systems sites, areas or other things of acknowledged value, with a view to their survival or preservation for the future. Repair Work beyond the scope of regular maintenance to remedy defects, significant decay or damage caused deliberately or by accident, neglect, normal weathering or wear and tear, the object of which is to return the building or artefact to good order, without alteration or restoration. Restoration Alteration of a building, part of a building or artefact which has decayed, been lost or damaged or is thought to have been inappropriately repaired or altered in the past, the objective of which is to make it conform again to its design or appearance at a previous date.

8.2 Base Policies – Conservation A firm resolution to act in a conservation-led way must be taken from the beginning to ensure the principles of ‘informed conservation’ are key elements of its future. These base policies should encourage the protection and enhancement of the significant elements of the site and the reduction of risk to important fabric and character within the building. Policy 1 – Strategy A clear strategy for the use, conservation and management of the site should be established as a framework for the making of individual decisions.

Policy 2 – Resolution A conservation-led approach to its future repair, conservation and management should be adopted by all interested parties, based an understanding of its significance.

Policy 3 – Vision Through active and informed conservation, enhancement and interpretation, the Dunfermline Carnegie Library should be put to an appropriate additional new use as a landmark building and focal point in the centre of Dunfermline, as the key focal point of the proposed museum and gallery extension project.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 105 8.3 Conservation and the Existing Fabric 8.3.1 Retention of Significance It is important that the significance of the buildings is respected, retained and enhanced where possible in any future use or development of the site. In order to enhance the significance of the place, appropriate uses and management are required to ensure a programme of sensitive conservation and alterations to the buildings. Policy 4 – British Standards Guidelines In general, work should be carried out in accordance with the British Standard Guide to the Principles of Conservation of Historic Buildings BS7913:1998.

Policy 5 – Existing Building Fabric Remaining original building fabric should be treated with respect and should be retained, conserved and repaired wherever possible. There should be a general presumption against the loss of existing original fabric unless its alteration can be proven to provide a benefit to the fabric and significance of the entire site, streetscape, and building overall.

Policy 6 – Items of Outstanding Significance The retention and conservation of the items of outstanding significance is important to the preservation of the building, associated structures and the designed landscape. Their preservation will be an important part of the quality and future use of the buildings and overall site. Elements of the buildings and site that have been identified as being of outstanding significance should be retained in, or reinstated to, their original locations. The design of any alterations to, or in the vicinity of these elements must include the retention of features of outstanding significance and it is assumed that some repair, restoration and conservation of these elements will be necessary.

Policy 7 – Items of Considerable Significance Generally, elements of the building or site identified as being of considerable significance should be retained and respected. These parts of the building or landscape could be changed, with care, to make them suitable for a new use without reducing their significance. The design of any alteration should respect the original character and design intention of the building, although not necessarily copy it.

Policy 8 – Items of Moderate Significance Elements of the building or site identified as being of moderate significance should normally be retained as evidence of original fabric and/or interior spatial arrangement. They can also be altered in a way that respects the building. If a redevelopment project requires that elements of moderate significance are removed, it should be demonstrated that the replacement is of at least equal quality and that the redeveloped site offers benefits that outweigh the loss of these elements.

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Policy 9 – Items of Neutral Significance Elements of the building or site identified as being of neutral significance do not adversely impact on the significance of the buildings or the landscape. These elements could be removed, altered or retained as required as part of any future use or development of the site.

Policy 10 – Negative Elements Some elements or alterations to the building and landscape may be considered to have a negative effect on their appearance or integrity. Negative elements should be removed from the buildings or landscape as part of any future works and thereby restore original fabric or design, or to enhance elements of higher significance. The significance of Dunfermline Carnegie Library should not be put at risk and good conservation principles should be followed when considering alterations. Conservation principles for works to historic fabric should be sufficiently flexible to achieve an appropriate balance between the need to protect the significance of the building and the need for it to live, be used and ‘earn its keep’. Policy 11 – Conservation Principles i. In general, all work should be carried out in accordance with the British Standard Guide to the Principles of Conservation of Historic Buildings BS7913:1998. The definitions of terms used in this conservation management plan are those set out in BS7913. ii. Minimum intervention – No change should be effected without proper consideration, justification and good reason. iii. Repair should be preferred to replacement. iv. Repair should use like-for-like techniques and materials. Materials should be salvaged and re-used where possible. v. Priority should be given to maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the historic fabric over other regulations and requirements. vi. New work should not be intrusive, and should be of the highest quality in terms of design, material and workmanship, whether it is in matching or contrasting style. vii. Adequate historical research, investigative opening-up, recording and sampling should be carried out before and during work (as necessary) to inform good design and technical solutions. viii. The design of repair works should be undertaken with a thorough knowledge of traditional construction history and practice. ix. Repair work should be designed to be carried out safely and consideration should be given to safety issues arising from the continued maintenance of the building. x. It is essential that conservation work is carried out by experienced tradespeople. The work should be designed, specified and inspected by a suitably experienced conservation architect. A large part of the success of any project is in the understanding of the task and sharing of experience between all professionals and all the tradespeople involved.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 107 xi. Whether in repair, restoration or alteration, new work should not draw attention unnecessarily, but should be identifiable to a discerning eye. xii. Particular attention should be paid to matters of detail to help preserve and enhance fabric and character including, for example, specific choice of materials, detailed location of services, methods of fixing, etc. xiii. Fabric or spaces to be altered or removed should be adequately recorded before works, following relevant guidelines and the record lodged with an appropriate public archive, such as the RCAHMS. xiv. Detailed design development should precede implementation of all on-site works. xv. Any compromises proposed to the above principles should flow from an options analysis and should be fully justified and agreed by all interested parties. Harm could result from differing approaches or standards in different parts of the building, such as changes in appearance or character. A holistic approach is important. Policy 12 – Intactness & Composition The study area should be considered as a whole, including all building components and the context of the buildings. This will ensure that component elements and spaces, and the relationships between them, are protected and enhanced where possible.

Policy 13 – Restoration Restoration may be appropriate where there is sufficient evidence. Any repair and restoration of missing elements should be based on detailed examination of the relevant parts of the existing structure or feature. The specification of materials in building restoration should match the existing in terms of quality, materials, colour, and finishes.

8.4 Maintenance 8.4.1 General Every building needs regular maintenance to keep the wearing and weathering surfaces in good order and to protect the vulnerable internal fabric from consequent damage. Systematic care based on good maintenance and housekeeping is both cost- effective and fundamental to good conservation. Early action can often prevent decay and avoid the need for major intervention later. An annual sum should be set aside for this purpose, and allowance made for inflation. Regular maintenance and good housekeeping is required to maintain all three buildings in a good state of repair. These general principles are relevant in preventing further damage in the short term and deterioration following conservation and repair works. Policy 14 – Cleaning Cleaning of original external fabric should be avoided, to prevent potential damage to the surface of the masonry.

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In the case of graffiti removal, specialist advice should be sought from a suitably qualified and experienced conservator. Testing of potential methods should be undertaken before a decision is made to ensure the least impact on original fabric. Great care must be taken not to damage original fabric, as cleaning processes are irreversible. Policy 15 – Maintenance & Management Plan A maintenance regime for the building should be prepared by a suitably qualified person. It should be formally adopted as part of any future development of the site. A log book/maintenance record should be kept of changes to the structure and of future maintenance to monitor what has been done and when and to encourage regular maintenance. Regular inspections should be made as follows: • A normal watch should be kept from the ground for leaks, overflowing gutters, blocked downpipes, drains etc. • The roofs and rainwater goods should be inspected and the gutters cleaned out regularly, at intervals not greater than three months. Silt and other debris can collect in each area of ponding that can support grass and other vegetation and this should be removed frequently. • Every year the whole of each building should be inspected with the aid of a tradesman. All roof spaces and coverings, installations, fittings and woodwork should be examined, and particular attention paid to any sign of damp, insect or fungal attack. Drains should be rodded out. Fire extinguishers and other appliances should be serviced. • Every five years there should be a conservation accredited architect or surveyor’s 'quinquennial' inspection for the main house and all associated structures. Electrical wiring and other installations should be tested. Policy 16 – Restoration and Repair The main elements that should be restored are the brattishing on the north west pavilion roof of the Library, the original doors and balustrades to 5-7 Abbot Street, and the decorative external joinery to St Margaret’s House. The design of restored elements should be carried out in such a way that it achieves the following objectives. • The repair and the restoration of missing elements of structure within the site should follow detailed examination of the relevant parts of the existing structure or an existing feature. The specification of materials in building restoration should match the existing in terms of quality, materials, colour, and finishes. • The fabric should be recorded before and during the work. • The fabric of a restored element should have a clear but unobtrusive mark with the date of its construction. Any restoration and repair programme should be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced conservation architect. Alterations, restoration and repair should be thoroughly recorded and supervised throughout the restoration and repair works.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 109 8.4.2 Dunfermline Carnegie Library Policy 17 – Exterior Masonry: General Generally the walls are in good condition The original design and detailing of the exterior elevations must be respected and maintained. The stonework should be repaired and the repairs undertaken by suitably experienced and supervised stonemasons. Any replacement materials, if required, should be selected to match the existing.

Policy 18 – North, East Elevations The detailing and scale of these elevations should be conserved and repaired as existing.

Policy 19 – West Elevation The west elevation was designed to be of secondary importance to the entrance and east elevation. The window openings on the west elevation are however integral to the lighting and design of the Library interiors and the design of any new building on the carpark site must address this carefully. The finely detailed doorway at basement level should be maintained, although it need not be external.

Policy 20 - South Elevation & 1993 Extension The south elevation of the original Library was not designed to be seen at all, and was originally concealed by St Margaret’s Hall. The appearance of this elevation should be improved.

Policy 21 –Roofs The roof is generally of slate with lead detailing, and generally in fair condition. The roof should be repaired and maintained as existing, with some overhauling of slates required. Leadwork may require replacement in the medium term. This work should be undertaken by suitably experienced and supervised trades people. Regular inspections of the roofs must be undertaken and the gutters kept clear to prevent collection of water.

Policy 22 – External Joinery & Windows In general, the external joinery and windows appear fairly sound, although some rot is evident in some sills, and paint finishes have been lost through general weathering of the fabric. The majority of windows and original external doors will need to be overhauled and repainted, with some requiring new mastic around the joint between the frame and the stone surround. An allowance should also be made for oak timber repair where elements have deteriorated. The colours of original external joinery should be researched. As a general principal, the original colour should be reinstated, although, on the Library, the external colour scheme at the completion of the 1913-20 extension will probably be the most appropriate. Where good original glass remains in original/early windows, this should be retained and conserved. Where original windows have been altered or removed for ventilation etc, they should ideally be replaced with windows to match original design and detailing to enhance the overall appearance of the building.

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Holes or other minor damage such as cracks should have cement mortar raked out and be repointed in lime mortar, not cement. Large cracks may require packing with small pinning stones as part of the lime mortar repointing process. Any stone indents required should match existing stonework, be carefully detailed and be set in lime mortar. Any iron cramps or other corroding fixings should be carefully removed and replaced with stainless steel dowels. Policy 23 – Links to other buildings The late 20th century covered bridge between the Library and the attic floor of 5-7 Abbot Street should be removed.

8.4.3 Dunfermline Carnegie Library Interior The Library interior is of considerable significance, architecturally, historically, and socially. Some alterations are possible, but in general the design of the building as it stood on completion of the 1913-20 extension must be respected. The principal spaces of the building are the Entrance Hall and staircase, ground floor Lending Library, first floor Reference Library and the Special Collections Room. Policy 24 – Internal Spaces & Finishes The primary internal spaces should be retained in any future restoration and use of the building as intact spaces, with uses sympathetic to original use of the rooms and with minimal impact on existing original fabric. The fine joinery, carved timber, plasterwork, paintwork and all other original finishes of the interior spaces should be retained and respected as part of future changes. It need not be retained in its exact current location but should be retained within the room. In addition, furniture designed as part of Shearer’s work should be retained and respected. Where damage has been sustained, finishes and decoration should be carefully repaired to match existing. All repairs are to be undertaken by suitably experienced and supervised craftspeople. Policy 25 – Paint and Decoration Paint colours have changed throughout the life of the building. The reinstatement of the colours and decorative scheme at the completion of the 1913-20 alterations and extensions is desirable. It is important to have an understanding of the decorative scheme that was intended by the original architect, when redecoration is being considered, even if the original scheme is not to be followed faithfully. The history of the decoration for each of the primary rooms could be established by microscope sample analysis of paint colours. These should be investigated further throughout the building and related to the historical development of the building to provide a clear picture of the decorative history of the interior prior to any works which might conceal this evidence. The history of colours can be used as a basis for discussion for redecoration of each room, with preference usually given to the decorative scheme associated with the other surviving fabric in the room, such as moulded joinery and fireplaces.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 111 8.4.4 5-7 Abbot Street Policy 26 – Retention or Demolition Alterations to or significant redevelopment of this building would be possible, provided that the following conditions are met: the design of any replacement building must be proven to be of equal or superior quality to the present building, and that the building is adequately recorded. Alterations or replacement must take into account the architectural significance of this building, its scale in relation to the Library and to Abbot House, and must make an equivalent or superior contribution to the streetscape within this Outstanding Conservation Area. Policy 27 – Existing Masonry In general, if it is retained, the exterior masonry of the building should be treated according to Policy X above for the Library exterior masonry.

Policy 28 – External Joinery & Windows In general, if key parts of the present exterior are retained, the external joinery and windows should be repaired – for example the entrance doors and sash and case windows to the front elevation. In general, the external joinery and windows appear fairly sound, although some rot is evident in some sills, and paint finishes have been lost through general weathering of the fabric. The majority of windows and original external doors will need to be overhauled and repainted, with some requiring new mastic around the joint between the frame and the stone surround. An allowance should also be made for oak timber repair where elements have deteriorated. The colours of original external joinery should be researched. As a general principal, the original colour should be reinstated. Holes or other minor damage such as cracks should have cement mortar raked out and be repointed in lime mortar, not cement. Large cracks may require packing with small pinning stones as part of the lime mortar repointing process. Any stone indents required should match existing stonework, be carefully detailed and be set in lime mortar. Any iron cramps or other corroding fixings should be carefully removed and replaced with stainless steel dowels.

8.4.5 5-7 Abbot Street Interior Policy 29 – Salvage of Important Interior Features The staircase dates from the 1838 building by David Rhind and should also be carefully removed if the building is demolished for re-use elsewhere. The stained glass window to the stair should also be carefully removed, and re-used. Chimneypieces should also be salvaged, and consideration made to the salvage of interior joinery. The former banking hall contains a very fine neo-Classical chimneypiece, which, if to be removed, must be carefully retained and re-used. Other chimneypieces in the building date mainly from 1838. The former banking hall fireplace is of sufficiently high quality to warrant considerable care being taken with its new location. This might be an early 19th century building with a missing fireplace.

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8.4.6 St Margaret’s House Policy 30 – Exterior general Generally the walls are in good condition The original design and detailing of the exterior elevations must be respected and maintained. The stonework should be repaired and the repairs undertaken by suitably experienced and supervised stonemasons. Any replacement materials, if required, should be selected to match the existing. St Margaret’s House has been stripped of its original decorative details. Inappropriate modern interventions should be reversed: three modern ventilators should be removed, all upvc downpipes and rainwater goods should be replaced with cast-iron. Policy 31 – Garden and Garden Walls The railings, gates and garden walls should be overhauled and repaired where necessary, and consideration should be given to some reinstatement of decorative planting in the garden. The gate piers have lost their original decorative caps, and these should be replaced. There are mature trees in the grounds which should be retained. The trees should be the subject of a separate tree survey, carried out by an appropriate professional. The design, appearance and maintenance of the grounds must be considered carefully, as they will have an effect on the overall environment of the Library and any extension. Policy 32 – External Joinery & Windows Evidence from historic photographs should be used to reinstate the original decorative barge boards, and the finials at the apex of each of the gables. The present upvc windows should be replaced with timber sash and case windows, with laying panes, again in accordance with historic photographs.

Policy 33 - Roof The roof should should be repaired and maintained as existing. The roof is generally of slate with lead detailing, and generally in fair condition. Some overhauling of slates is required. Leadwork may require replacement in the medium term. This work should be undertaken by suitably experienced and supervised trades people. Regular inspections of the roofs must be undertaken and the gutters kept clear to prevent collection of water.

8.4.7 St Margaret’s House interior Policy 34 – Interior The interior of St Margaret’s House has been stripped of any architecturally significant features, with the exception of the staircase, which should be repaired where necessary and retained. Significant alterations to all the other interior spaces are possible, providing they respect the position of the windows and exterior doors.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 113 8.5 Statutory & Non-Statutory Constraints 8.5.1 Listed Building Consent The Dunfermline Carnegie Library and 5-7 Abbot Street are category B listed. Listing gives a building statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration and extension. Listed Building Consent from Fife Council will be required prior to any programme of conservation and alteration works for the listed buildings. Additionally, Scottish Ministers must be notified of any planned alterations or interventions to listed buildings owned by Fife Council. Any new building which affects the surroundings of the category A listed Dunfermline Abbey will also require Listed Building Consent. Policy 35 - Listed Building Consent It is important that listed building consent is obtained prior to works being carried out. Although it may not answer specific questions raised as part of a Listed Building Consent applications, the conservation management plan should be used as a tool to assist in this process.

Policy 36 – Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) The Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP), December 2011 by Historic Scotland provides guidelines for listed buildings and conservation areas and should be referred to.

8.6 Safety, Vandalism & Security Policy 37 – Safety Any proposed works and final designs will need to follow appropriate safety guidelines and policies to ensure that fire and health and safety regulations are met, depending on the final use of the building.

Policy 38 – Graffiti Any required graffiti removal from the surface of original stonework should be undertaken with care using methods recognised for treatment of historic fabric and a specialist should be consulted to determine the most appropriate form of removal. With regards to security, the buildings are secure and adequate systems are in place to prevent both unauthorised access and to protect important collections. Policy 39 – Security Security of the site should be revised as appropriate during the progress of works and on completion to protect the finished structure and provide security to occupants and users of the building/s and important collections.

8.7 Public & Disabled Access Policy 40 – Accessibility As a public building, the Library must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. Care should be taken to integrate access within the overall site.

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Policy 41 – Public Access The overall purpose of the museum and gallery extension is to improve public access to the historic centre of the town, both physically, and through education and interpretation facilities.

8.8 Management Good management of the building and site will be important for the future of the building as a key feature in Dunfermline. Policy 42 – Management A management strategy must be clearly set out to create an understanding of roles and responsibilities between the owners of the building (Fife Council), and managers (the Fife Cultural Trust), tenants and users to ensure the wellbeing of the building for the future.

Policy 43 – Conservation Management Plan Owners, tenants and users will be required to sign up to the conservation management plan to ensure that the building is maintained and managed according to best conservation practice in order to preserve the building for future generations. This conservation management plan will be a core document to enable the sensitive and appropriate reuse of the site and for its ongoing management.

8.9 Workmanship & Advice Inexperienced or amateur workmanship can cause irreversible damage to historic fabric, no matter how well intentioned. Relevant professional skills that may be employed at the site in the future may include archaeologists; surveyors; structural engineers; conservation architects; and stone conservators. Policy 44 – Professional Advice Suitably qualified and experienced professional advice should be employed on a consultancy basis as needed.

Policy 45 – Skilled Workmanship Appropriate professional or craft skills and experience should be used in all work including inspection, maintenance and repairs. All contractors and consultants should have relevant historic environment qualification and experience. Earlier inappropriate repairs and materials should be reversed, providing doing so will not cause further irreversible harm to the significant fabric.

Policy 46 – Advice and the Conservation Management Plan The conservation management plan is designed to provide a framework to inform the future management, use, protection, repair and conservation of the building and it should be adopted by the owner, manager and end users. It is not expected that the conservation management plan could ever be sufficient in detail to provide for every eventuality or answer every question that might arise in the future. It should not be used as a substitute for professional conservation advice. Any professional conservation advice sought should use the conservation management plan as a guide.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 115 8.10 New Work & Alterations Any alterations which may be undertaken to the three buildings and the library carpark should involve the conservation and repair of the existing buildings. The proposed development of a Dunfermline Art Gallery and Museum within the study area will involve significant alterations to the existing buildings. Policy 47 – Design Objectives The design guidelines in the conservation plan are mainly a series of constraints to avoid damage to the parts of the building which have high significance, and which we value for aesthetic or historical reasons. In writing guidelines in this way, the conservation plan cannot anticipate ideas for new architecture or innovative alterations to the existing building which would be the inspiration of an architect designing a new museum for the site. Fife Council has held a design competition which has been limited to architects with proven ability to produce buildings of strong contemporary innovation and style. The competition should produce a building design which is as strong a statement of contemporary architecture as the work of David Rhind in 1838, John Campbell Walker in 1880, or James Shearer in 1913. These guidelines should be considered to be flexible, rather than as rules. It is possible that part of the existing buildings could be radically altered if the alteration can be shown to be of high quality design and part of the overall function, purpose or design theory of the entire building as extended to form a combined library and museum for Dunfermline. The grading of significance is important in this assessment. Alterations, however excellent in design terms, are more likely to be acceptable to a part of the building which has neutral or moderate significance than they would be to a part with considerable significance. The conservation and repair work should be designed in such a way that it meets the following objectives. • The design must be undertaken with an understanding of the implications of the BS 7913; British Standard Guide to the Principles of Conservation. • Conservation and alteration work to the existing buildings must be based on thorough physical and historical understanding of the building(s). The preparation of this conservation plan is part of this process, but the designer should understand that further information or discoveries about the physical nature of the building could influence the desig. The design of repair works to buildings should be undertaken with a thorough knowledge of traditional construction history and practice. • The work should be designed so that it can be carried out safely and consideration must be given to safety issues arising from the continued maintenance of the building. • It is essential that conservation work is carried out by experienced trades and crafts people. A large part of the success of any project is in the understanding of the task and sharing of experience between all professionals and all trades people involved.

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8.10.1 Design Guidelines: Alterations and Interventions It is often good conservation practice to find a new use close to the original use of the building. Both the Library and 5-7 Abbot Street were designed to be publicly accessible buildings. Policy 48 – Design Interventions It is likely that the building will need to be altered in association with proposals for a new museum building. Each alteration should be considered to be an intervention to the existing structure. The design of an intervention should be carried out in such a way that it achieves the following objectives: • The design must respect the significance of the existing building. It should be innately attractive but it should not intrude on aesthetic or historical appreciation. • The design must respect the existing fabric of the building. The interface between a new element and the existing fabric must be carefully considered to avoid damage to the existing building, for instance by differential erosion or by damage at fixing points. • Interventions should be carefully considered to be in sympathy with the existing structure or feature in terms of design and materials. This does not mean, however, that an intervention or extension should replicate elements of the existing structure. In most cases a clear legible difference between the existing fabric and the intervention is desirable, but there will be some cases, such as minor alterations within one of the rooms with considerable significance where it would be more appropriate to disguise the intervention by matching existing joinery or decorative finish. An example of this circumstance might be a small window in an otherwise unaltered masonry wall, an alteration to plaster panelling in one of the main rooms or alterations to bookcases. • Interventions should be clearly identifiable as such, both physically, by dating, and by documenting the construction and alteration process. The interventions throughout the building should have a common character so that they can be interpreted as being part of a single datable campaign of alteration and records should be kept of all works undertaken. • The materials used in interventions should be of good quality and long lasting. Materials selected for interventions should be considered for their general environmental effect and the sustainability of their supply. • Wherever possible, interventions should be reversible in the future with minimal damage to significant fabric.

8.10.2 Design of New Buildings The design of new work in close association with an existing building of quality always requires particular architectural knowledge, judgement, skill and care. There are several appropriate ways of carrying out such work, the relative advantages of which will depend on the assessed level of significance and potential impact of any proposed works. The guidelines that follow are general.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 117 Policy 49 – New Buildings: Location Care must be taken in locating a new building within this site so as to prevent physical and visual impact on significant fabric. Consideration must be given to the significance of the site and its buildings for areas of sensitivity before a decision is made in locating any new structures and care must be taken to minimise their impact. A new building could be located to the rear of the Library, and behind 5-7 Abbot Street, on the site of the car park. It would be possible to alter or replace the 1993 Library extension with a new building without altering the overall significance of the site. Alterations to 5-7 Abbot Street are more likely to affect the significance of the site. A sensitively designed extension, perhaps one-storey, could be added to St Margaret’s House, provided it does not impact adversely on eastward views from the Abbey Grounds. Policy 50 – New Buildings: Materials Walling materials of the building should not necessarily be matched. Even when a particular approach is judged to satisfy all the relevant criteria, the success of the work as a whole can often depend on the fine detail, and on the skill and aesthetic sensitivity with which it is carried out. Building materials are likely to be the main difference between the existing building and any new construction. It can be argued that the use of a different material, is desirable in making the difference between original and new buildings clearly and obviously legible. Any new internal or external structures should be of appropriate quality and should complement the old. Ideally interventions should be reversible and, whether carefully matched, blended or contrasted with original building, should combine to form a composite building or group of buildings of overall architectural and visual integrity. The choice of materials should be made, and justified, in the context of all the existing buildings which form the north and east boundaries of the Abbey grounds. This does not mean that materials should be copied, but refererence should be made to the colour and surface texture in the choice and detailing of external materials. Policy 51 – New Buildings: Scale A precedent for the height of new construction within the site can be provided by existing buildings. The form of buildings which are known to have existed from historical research, such as St Margaret’s Hall, is also a relevant consideration. The design of any new structure near any of the significant buildings within the site should carefully address the height, the scale, and the material at the junction between the existing and new fabric. The height of new buildings or structures should be such that the existing Library building remains the dominant form on the site in views from the north and east.

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8.11 Interiors & Furniture Policy 52 – Interiors Original doorways, doors, panelling and chimneypieces should be retained in situ wherever possible. They should be repaired, and insensitive additions or alterations removed where practicable – i.e. signage or servicing. Where removal is necessary, consideration should be given to finding an alternative location within the building.

Policy 53 – Furniture All moveable furniture should be retained and re-used within the reconfigured building as is deemed appropriate by library staff. Consideration should be given to the allocation of bookstock to original shelving: i.e. smaller fiction on older shelving. If necessary, older shelving may be altered and/or reduced in height to meet modern requirements.

8.12 Setting & Boundaries The three buildings in the study area occupy a site in the Outstanding Conservation Area of Dunfermline, adjacent to and bordering on the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey. The study area also forms part of the ‘Heritage Quarter’ of the town. Only St Margaret’s House has any landscaped ground around it, and most of the open spaces to the south of the buildings and the Abbey grounds are occupied by car parks. The main views of the buildings are from Abbot Street, where the Library and 5-7 Abbot Street make a considerable contribution to the streetscape, in particular offering a stylistic foil to the earlier Abbot House. St Margaret Street is fairly narrow, and the west front of the Library is a harmonious element in the surrounding historic townscape. The most important factor in the setting is Dunfermline Abbey and its grounds. The south eastern corner of the 1993 Library extension and the north eastern aspect of St Margaret’s House frame the eastern entrance to the Abbey, on an axis with the east window. In addition, St Margaret’s House is clearly visible from the Abbey grounds, over the hedge which divides its garden from the grounds. The Library and in particular the 1993 extension are also clearly visible from the Abbey grounds. Dunfermline Abbey is the most significant landmark building in Dunfermline and is particularly prominent in views when approached from the south. Policy 54 – Views Significant views within, from and to the study area must be respected. These include: • Looking west along Abbot Street from St Margaret Street, including Abbot House • Looking east along Abbot Street towards St Margaret Street, including Abbot House • Looking north up St Margaret Street towards the High Street • Looking south down St Margaret Street towards the Carnegie Birthplace Museum • Looking west towards the tower and east gable of the Abbey, including the Abbey gate piers and the north gable of St Margaret’s House

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Figure 148 View east along Abbot Street Figure 149 View west along Abbot Street

Figure 150 View north up St Margaret Street Figure 151 View north east from Abbey grounds

Figure 152 View from entrance to Abbey Figure 153 View north from within Abbey Grounds Grounds

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The opportunity should be taken to enhance some views. The south wall of the original Library (figures 148, 150), in particular, presents a poor appearance, and was not designed to be seen from a distance, being originally entirely concealed behind St Margaret’s Hall. There is also inappropriately placed street signage on Abbot Street that is directly in front of the main entrance: this blocks direct views of the important carved panels and inscriptions around the entrance.

Figure 154 View west to Abbey, including entrance gates

Policy 55 – Overall Setting The overall existing character and setting of the historic central area of Dunfermline – the ‘Heritage Quarter’, and an Outstanding Conservation Area must be maintained. The most important building in the area is Dunfermline Abbey. No development should be permitted which detracts from the skyline view of Dunfermline Abbey. Very careful consideration must be given to any development which might undermine the historic setting of the Abbey, and careful consideration must be given to views from within the Abbey grounds. The gatepiers of the grounds date from the early 19th century and care must be taken to maintain their purpose as the eastern entrance to the Abbey grounds. The former Mortuary Chapel immediately inside the gates of the Abbey grounds is sited very near to the boundary wall of the Library car park. Care must be taken to ensure any development recognises the position and significance of this building in terms of the significance of the Abbey. Policy 56 – Structures in the Vicinity Structures in the vicinity of the study area may be affected by future development within it. These include, the gates to the Abbey Grounds, and the former Mortuary Chapel in the Abbey Grounds. The Abbey itself is the most prominent building in Dunfermline from a number of viewpoints. Any future works within the study area should not impact on the visual appreciation of, or significant views to or from Dunfermline Abbey, or to or from the Abbey Grounds. The considerable archaeological and historic importance of the site is set out in detail in the Archaeological Report carried out as part of this project. The report contains policies which must be followed to safeguard the archaeological potential of the study area.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan 121 Policy 57 – Archaeology: General The recommendations within the Archaeological Report ‘Dunfermline Museum & Art Gallery Project: Desk-Based Archaeological Assessment and Mitigation Strategy July 2006’ by Douglas A Speirs should continue to be followed.

A trial excavation was conducted in September 2011, and it is planned to carry out a full archaeological excavation exercise after future funding has been secured. These investigative works will mitigate the impact on the archaeological remains within the proposed development area, in line with the recommendations made in the report highlighted in the policy above.

8.13 Effects on the Environment & Climate Change Conservation and repair work, as well as new work, will have some potential impact on the environment through choices of materials, design and siting of structures and choice of services for the building. Policy 58 – Environmental Impact All work to the existing building and any new structures should be designed and managed to minimise adverse impact on the environment.

Policy 59 – Maintenance To maintain optimum energy efficiency for the building and any new structures, ensure that all heating and other services are regularly maintained and kept in good working order. Through climate change, it is likely that there will be an increase in rainfall in particular. Policy 60 – Climate Change Design and specification of repairs and new structures should take into account the possibility of increased rainfall and wind, particularly in the detailing of gutters and rainwater goods.

8.14 Interpretation & Understanding

Policy 61 - Interpretation A detailed programme to provide interpretation of all three buildings should be drawn up, with particular attention paid to any parts of the study area where significant alterations are proposed. The interpretation plan should be designed by a suitably qualified and experienced person. The existing and historic arrangement of the Library and 5-7 Abbot Street could be used to aid interpretation of changing attitudes and use of public libraries, and the history and nature of banking in a 19th century town. The historical information presented in this Conservation Management Plan can also be used to assist in future interpretation and understanding, i.e. by making a PDF of the historical development section available as a download, or for public consultation.

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Prior to any works commencing, the RCAHMS should also be given the opportunity to record exteriors and interiors, as they deem appropriate, to enhance the information held on public record for future researchers.

8.15 Management of Information Adopting the conservation management plan establishes a formal arrangement and allows policies within the plan to help protect and enhance what is important. It places an onus on all parties to use the plan as a basis for decision making. Policy 62 – Adoption This conservation management plan should be adopted by all relevant stakeholders and used to help guide the conservation, use and development of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library.

Policy 63 – Further Research It is recognised that even after thorough research and analysis, further documentary research and physical investigation may reveal previously unknown material that could enhance the understanding of the study area, the buildings and their history. In particular, research into the historic minute books of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust might aid understanding of the history of 5-7 Abbot Street. Further research should be undertaken as part of any proposed works and used to update the Conservation Plan accordingly.

Policy 64 – Recording and Archiving A measured survey and photographic archival recording provides a detailed record of the building and its associated structures in their current state for future analysis of the building fabric. The Library and 5-7 Abbot Street should be recorded to archive standards using measured drawings and photography prior to works being undertaken. Any future works to the building should be visually recorded during and after works and copies of the results kept on the premises with any written records. A copy of this conservation management plan, along with a copy of any records of the building should be deposited in a permanent archive, such as the RCAHMS and Fife Council Archives. The records associated with the conservation of the site should be made publicly available, subject to constraints on security and privacy.

Policy 65 – Review of the Conservation Management Plan It is recognised that a Conservation Management Plan is a dynamic document that should be adapted and updated as required when further information is located or the situation of the building changes. To maintain the accuracy of this document, the Conservation Management Plan should be updated at the completion of the proposed alterations and extensions, and every ten years afterwards, or earlier if further information becomes available.

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APPENDICES Appendix I Listed Building Reports

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan Appendix I Appendix I Conservation Management Plan Dunfermline Carnegie Library

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan Appendix I

Appendix I Conservation Management Plan Dunfermline Carnegie Library

Appendix II A3 Drawings

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan Appendix II Appendix II Conservation Management Plan Dunfermline Carnegie Library

Appendix III History of Commercial Bank

Dunfermline Carnegie Library Conservation Management Plan Appendix IV Summary history of the Commercial Bank of Scotland Ltd 1810-195927 The Commercial Banking Company of Scotland was founded in Edinburgh in 1810. It was set up as a co-partnership, to provide banking facilities to commercial, industrial and agricultural businessmen of modest means - it was to be ‘the bank of the citizens’. As a joint stock bank with substantial capitalisation and shareholding it presented a considerable challenge to the existing public banks which had tended to do business only with individuals, or companies of substance. From the outset it issued its own notes and began to establish branches over a wide geographical area. By 1815 it had fourteen branches and had moved from the then suburban environs of Leith Walk into a head office in the High Street, close to Edinburgh's commercial centre. The Commercial Banking Company grew rapidly, acquiring the Caithness Banking Company (established 1812) of Wick in 1825. It secured a Royal Charter in December 1831 and changed its name to the Commercial Bank of Scotland. By 1840 the bank boasted forty-five branches and, in 1844, took over the Arbroath Banking Company (established 1825), operating in Arbroath and Forfar. In 1843 the bank acquired property in George Street where, four years later, it opened a magnificent, purpose- built head office designed by the architect David Rhind in the style of a Greek temple, with pillars and pediment. By 1850 it had fifty-three branches, the second largest network of any Scottish bank. Despite its substantial presence in Glasgow, the bank was virtually unaffected by the failure of the Western Bank in 1857. In 1879, however, following the disastrous collapse of the City of Glasgow Bank, the Commercial Bank registered under the Companies Act, and traded with limited liability from 1882. In 1883, following the example of other Scottish banks, the Commercial Bank opened an office in London. By 1900 had 138 branch banks. During the First World War one sixth of the Commercial Bank's staff were killed on active service, but the businesses continued to thrive, increasing the number of its branches to 240 in 1920. During the inter-war period it became the second largest bank in Scotland in terms of liabilities, deposits and advances. Despite its success and large number of branches, the Commercial Bank's capital resources were modest, its interests undiversified and its management aware of the acute need to find a suitable trading partner. In 1951-2 desultory talks were held with the Bank of Scotland and the Union Bank and later with Barclays Bank and the British Linen Bank. However, in 1953, a new general manager, Ian Wilson Macdonald, determined to broaden the bank's interests. He recognised that hire purchase companies were profiting from funds borrowed from bankers, and in 1954 negotiated the purchase of Scottish Midland Guarantee Trust, the hire purchase subsidiary of Scottish Motor Traction. The Commercial Bank of Scotland thereby became the first British bank to take a direct financial interest in a hire purchase firm and the other banks were quick to follow. Later, in 1959, a merger agreement was reached with the National Bank of Scotland (established 1825) to form the National Commercial Bank of Scotland. The National Commercial Bank of Scotland merged with the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1959.

27 Adapted from an article on the Royal Bank of Scotland website

Appendix II Conservation Management Plan Dunfermline Carnegie Library