Draughts in Union Terrace Gardens

AssociatedAssociated with Union Terrace Gardens

Photographer George R Donaldson

Date1930s

Object NameNegative

Mediumfilm

ClassificationsScience And Technology

DimensionsOverall: Height: 9.2 cm, Width: 6 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1992.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS022402.1

Keywords

About MeA quiet game of draughts at Union Terrace Gardens, 1930s. This is a scene which could have been witnessed in the city up to the 1970s. It was run by the City Council and gave hours of pleasure to locals including those who simply looked down on the games from the balustrade on Union Terrace. The Gardens, which sit in the hollow of the Denburn Valley, were laid out in the 1880s, following upon the layout of Rosemount Viaduct, and provided the city centre with a quiet restful spot. The eastern edge is bounded by the railway. This must have made for some very smoky encounters in the days of steam trains. Over the years there have been a number of attempts to redesign the park including the proposal to raise it to street level and provide parking below.