William Douglas Simpson, historian and archaeologist: collection of archaeological, monumental and architectural plans This collection was the research collection of William Douglas Simpson. The collection contains the research material that Simpson gathered to inform his many publications and his own illustrations which he incorporated into his publications. The subject matter of this collection reflects Simpson's own research interests which focus on architecture, archaeology, historical sites and monuments. A large proportion of the material relates to castellated architecture especially in the North-East of Scotland. Geographically most of the collection relates to the Aberdeenshire however there items relating to the whole of Scotland, England, Ireland and across International locations including France, Germany and Norway. Many of the works are in Simpson's own hand but the collection includes works by William Kelly, David MacGibbon and Thomas Ross. These materials were acquired by Simpson directly from Kelly and Ross who were both great friends of Simpson and shared his passion for the build environment. There is a significant series of images from the David MacGibbon and Thomas Ross partnership including some of David MacGibbon's original drawings which were used to illustrate his work 'The Architecture of Provence and the Riviera'. The diversity of the authorship and subject matter lead to the many formats and media found in this collection, which include sketches, tracings, paintings, plans, maps and drawings. Many of the drawings are architectural, showing floor plans, elevations and measurements. 19th Century - 20th Century