Old College Heritage and Values Project

By far the largest and most prominent displays of the University’s art collection on campus are at Old College, where approximately 100 portraits of figures connected to the University in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries are on display. The Old College Heritage and Values Project is a multi-year programme of work dedicated to reviewing these displays in line with the inclusive values outlined in Strategy 2030.

Built at the turn of the 19th century, Old College was the University’s main campus in its time, housing everything from the library to natural history and anatomy museums. The building is often seen as a symbol of the Scottish Enlightenment due to its neoclassical architecture and the prominence of University professors associated with this period, many of whom are commemorated in its portrait displays.

The project will critically examine the artworks on display in ways that acknowledge both the lack of diversity represented in the portraiture, and the histories and contributions that are not visible in the celebrated heritage of this University building. A key part of the process will involve working with staff and student groups to engage with the artworks and the histories of the site through teaching, research, creative responses and consultation. 

This will be considered as part of a wider critical review of spaces in our campuses, to better reflect the people and histories associated with the University.

It will also consider the actions and ongoing commitments from the University’s Race Review published in July 2025:

Review of Race and History | The University of Edinburgh

Spaces under review

All public rooms in Old College are being reviewed, including the Playfair Library, Raeburn, Elder, Lee and Carstares rooms, as well as the staircase leading to the Playfair Library and the reception area. 

Timescales

The project is comprised of three phases:

• Phase 1 (July 2023 to June 2024) drew on the University’s Heritage Collections to showcase possibilities for changing displays in the main stairwell of Old College and prompt conversation with the building users about the look and feel of our campus.
• Phase 2 (July 2024 onwards) involves a period of review followed by consultation with groups of internal and external stakeholders, resulting in a proposal for changes.
• Phase 3 will focus on implementation.

Old College has a special place in the history of the University and the hearts of our community. We want to ensure it tells our story in a way that links our past with our future and celebrates the diversity of everyone who has influenced and contributed to the University’s impact over time.

Leigh Chalmers, Chair of the Old College Heritage and Values Project Group

Community engagement

The project is being overseen by an internal group, with members including staff and student representatives from across the Students’ Association, Estates, Heritage Collections, Communications and Marketing, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, academic staff and Old College users. 

A key focus of the project will be to engage with staff and students as members of our University community throughout 2025 to gain views on how the University’s heritage and histories can better reflect the diverse individuals connected with Old College across time.