A collection of 47 items in 45 volumes from the library of the Scottish architect Robert James Naismith (1916-2004). Naismith specialized in town planning and held individual appointments in advising over 20 local authorities, advising the burghs of Penicuik and Dalkeith for over 30 years. He served on EAA and RIAS Councils, was an expert witness in Public Inquiries, served on the Committees of the Cockburn Association and the Scottish Georgian Society, and was a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Scotland. He authored two books: 'Buildings of the Scottish countryside' (London, 1985) and 'The story of Scotland's towns' (Edinburgh, 1989). Naismith received his training from Sir Frank Mears (1880-1953) whose provenance can be seen on several of the items. Mears was the son-in-law of Sir Patrick Geddes (1854-1932), and there are many works by, or relating to Geddes in the collection. The majority of the collection is from the 20th century and deals with town planning in countries from Ireland to India to the United States. There are three items from the early 18th century and a 1664 copy of 'A parallel of the antient architecture with the modern'.

Organisation

The books have been catalogued individually and have the shelfmark 'Nais.'.

Acquisition

The collection was bequeathed to the Library by Robert Naismith and received in 2005.

Related collections

An additional five map items are held in the Library's map collections.