Watercolour on paper, c.1857
David Bryce (1803-1876)
RCAHMS: David Bryce Collection presented in 1942
Craigends House in Renfrewshire was rebuilt in the 1850s for the Cuninghame family, who had lived on this large country estate since the late fifteenth century.
David Bryce, the designer of Craigends, was one of the most successful and respected architects of his generation who worked on many country houses and famous Edinburgh landmarks, including the Bank of Scotland on the Mound and Fettes College. This watercolour painting was produced by his office to present the design ideas to the clients, a clever marketing device which could be seen as the equivalent of today’s glossy sales brochures, enticing clients with views of a desirable house and enviable lifestyle.
No expense was spared in its construction but sadly by 1971 the glory days for Craigends had gone forever. The building had fallen into disrepair with its roof lost and its floors collapsing and demolition was the only alternative.
Craigends House, Houston, Renfrewshire
Aerial photographs, 1947, 1963 and 1988
RCAHMS: Aerial Photography Collections
This sequence of aerial photographs from 1947 through to 1988 show the demise of Craigends. In 1947, the house, its landscaped garden and estate are intact; some changes are apparent in the size of the surrounding field in 1967, but by 1988 the house has been demolished and housing developments are beginning to encroach on this once grand and elegant estate.