Caird Hall

Caird Hall, Dundee
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Caird Hall, Dundee

A vast hall occupying the southern side of the City Square in Dundee. The Caird Hall was built between 1914 and 1922, having been funded by a gift of £100,000 by Sir James Key Caird (1837 - 1916), a Jute Baron. It was designed by City Architect James Thomson (1852 - 1927). The hall was not finished by the time of Caird's death and a further £75,000 for its completion were provided by his sister, Mrs Grace Marryat (1849 - 1927). This permitted the construction of the facade, a colonnade of massive Doric columns. She also provided the Marryat Hall which is attached to the west.

Inside, the Caird Hall comprises a grand concert hall, which was originally capable of seating 3300 people, although this capacity has subsequently been reduced to 2150. It was in this hall that the conductor Sir Thomas Beecham suggested Dundonians should throw marmalade at him if they did not enjoy the performance, although he did request that they first remove it from the jar!

The Caird Hall was refurbished in 2002 at the cost of £1.2 million. It includes an organ by Harrison and Co. of Durham, installed in 1923 and restored in 1992.


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