Merchants' House,
7 West George St,
1874,
John Burnet

Designed by John Burnet and built in 1874, the Merchants' House occupies the north-west corner of George Square with its main entrance facing onto West George Street.

Originally consisting of three stories, attic and basement, topped by a short domed tower at the corner. The building was extended in 1907 with the addition of two further stories, on top of which the original tower was replaced.

The building continues the Italianate style of its neighbour, but at the corner and in West George Street, there are some French features.

The building is noted for its generous use of sculpture as in these reclining figures supporting the oriel windows.

From the entrance a marble lined staircase leads to the suite of Merchants' Hall, director's room and Dean of Guilds' room.

A stained glass window in the staircase shows the donation, by James VI, of the letter of Guildery in 1605.

Many decorative elements on the building depict the trading origins of the Merchants such as the ship in full sail on top of the re-built tower, and the round stained glass window depicting a galleon circumnavigating the globe set into the entrance door.

In the Guild Hall, panelling around the walls incorporates painted panels recording bequests that were brought from the original 17thC house.

Another salvaged item is the stone relief depicting pilgrims which is mounted above the entrance ."