Whytock and Reid furniture
Object numberED.CS.2012.8
TitleWhytock and Reid furniture
CreatorWhytock and Reid (Manufacturer)
DescriptionWhytock and Reid made most of the furniture for the extension to the College in 1909 which included:
97 chairs in the main hall of Playfair Hall
Corridor bookcases
Display cabinet in the Logan Turner Room
In 1807, Richard Whytock, a cabinet maker, set up his business in Edinburgh and in 1820, he opened his first shop in George Street. Five years later, in 1825, John Reid, an upholsterer, started his business in Ayr and he sent his two sons to Paris to learn about interior design and furnishing. In 1840 they established other branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh where in partnership with a Mr Davidson, they established retail premises in Frederick Street and George Street.There was considerable rivalry between the Reids and the Whytocks until 1875 when the two firms amalgamated and opened a fine showroom in George Street where they remained until 1934 when they moved to Charlotte Square. They occupied the building which now belongs to the National Trust for Scotland as the Georgian House. By 1974 however, life in the quality furniture trade was hard and they relocated to Belford Mews where their workshops had been since 1884.
Production placeEDINBURGH
Production date c. 1909
Production periodTwentieth century, early
Object nameFurniture, Whytock and Reid
Object categoryFurniture