Calum Maclean
In this 15 minute extract Calum explores our building’s site, proportions and highlights some of the fantastic exterior stonework.
You can watch the full talk here.
The Academy Street Townscape Heritage project and Inverness Creative Academy presented this illustrated talk from Inverness based conservation architect Calum Maclean on 11th June 2020. The talk focused on the architectural practice of Ross & Macbeth in Inverness and coincided with the launch of Calum’s new publication ‘The Architecture of Inverness’.
Alexander Ross is one of the most celebrated architects in the Highlands. During the Victorian period Inverness expanded dramatically and Ross was responsible for designing many of the most important streets and buildings in the city centre including Inverness Cathedral. In 1887 he entered into a long-running partnership with his then assistant Robert John Macbeth.
In this talk Calum explores two iconic Ross & Macbeth buildings; the Inverness Creative Academy at the Midmills campus (formally the home of Inverness Royal Academy) and the Rose Street Foundry/AI Welders building at 96 Academy Street.
Audrey Carlin, Chief Executive Officer at Wasps Studios, said: “This talk is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the long and colourful history of two of Inverness’ most iconic buildings. Wasps is thrilled to be bringing the ‘Midmills’ buildings back to life as Inverness Creative Academy, looking forward to a vibrant future as the Highlands’ first major creative hub.”
Cllr Jimmy Gray, Chairman of the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project, added: “Recently I have been doing a great deal of walking around Inverness Old Town centre and looking up at some of the beautiful buildings we have. I’d encourage others to do the same and this talk is a great opportunity to learn about the Rose Street Foundry and Midmills campus.”
Calum Maclean created the architectural practice MAAC Studio to encourage a wider appreciation of the beautiful historic architecture that is spread throughout the Highlands and his forthcoming book ‘The Architecture of Inverness‘ explores the extraordinary story of Inverness told through its architecture.”
Stuart MacKellar
On the 23rd July 2020, Wasps’ were delighted to present an illustrated online talk from Stuart MacKellar of LDN Architects. Stuart has overseen LDN’s role in delivering masterplan proposals for the former Midmills Campus as well as being lead architect for the Wasps development. As our building celebrates its 125th anniversary, since opening as Inverness Royal Academy in 1895, this talk takes you on a tour through the principal interior spaces and illustrate how they have changed over the years. Stuart also shares LDN’s approach to the development, the works that have taken place to date as well as the vision for the completed Inverness Creative Academy.
You can watch the full talk here.
“LDN Architects has been involved in the redevelopment of Midmills Campus since 2014. It is then with great privilege that we are now helping to deliver the final piece of the jigsaw by transforming the jewel in the crown that is the former Inverness Royal Academy, for Wasps Artists Studios. Having witnessed first-hand the effects that the initial phase of development has had on the Highlands’ creative community, we are set on ensuring that the second and final phase adds to what has already been achieved, whilst conserving one of Inverness’s finest architectural pieces. We look forward to sharing what we have learnt about the building’s past, it’s present state and our future vision in the upcoming talk hosted by Wasps.” – Stuart MacKellar
Stuart MacKellar joined LDN Architects in 2015 and became a Partner at the start of 2018. Having grown up in the Highlands, Stuart then studied in Edinburgh and went on to spend time working for international architectural practices such as Foster + Partners before returning to Inverness. Now based in LDN’s Forres office, some of Stuart’s other ongoing projects include restoration works to Inverness Town House, a new community hub in Huntly and the Inverness Castle project.”
