A Brief History of Hepburn House

7 University Gardens

by Dr Helen Lloyd
School of English and Scottish Language and Literature
University of Glasgow

In the summer of 2003, the Department of Scottish Literature moved into its permanent home of 7 University Gardens. Known as Hepburn House, the building sits along an elegant, tree-lined terrace directly opposite the main Gilbert Scott Building. University Gardens houses many of the departments which make up the Faculty of Arts, and the first floor of Hepburn House is shared with the History of Art Department Library.

Dating from 1896, Hepburn House came into the University’s possession in 1971 when it was bequeathed by Charles A. Hepburn, a well-known Glaswegian philanthropist, whisky magnate and collector of antique books and art. The bequest was noted in the University’s Court Minutes for the 22nd September 1971:
   
Bequest by Dr. C. A. Hepburn

1. "A letter of 18th August 1971 was submitted from Messrs. Cochran, Stout and Dunlop, solicitors, intimating that Dr. Charles A. Hepburn had made the following bequests to the University, details of which would be reported later:
2. His house at 7 University Gardens to be called ‘Hepburn House’ and to be used for the general purposes of the University;
   The choice of any of his collection of pictures and miniatures not otherwise bequeathed;
3. The choice of any of his books including the Kilmarnock First Edition of Burns to be disposed of as “the Librarian” on behalf of the Senate may see fit;
4. The choice of any or all of his collection of ceramics and cases in the China Room, provided they are displayed as a memorial to his wife, Mrs. Anne Campbell or Hepburn.

The Court accepted the bequest and thanked the solicitors for the information."