Robert Mylne was a Scottish architect and civil engineer, particularly remembered for his design for Blackfriars Bridge in London. Born and raised in Edinburgh, he travelled to Europe as a young man, studying architecture in Rome under Piranesi. In 1758, he became the first Briton to win the triennial architecture competition at the Accademia di San Luca. This made his name known in London, and won him the rivalry of fellow Scot Robert Adam.
Engraving of Mylne, aged 24, by Vincenzio Vangelisti, after a drawing by Richard Brompton.
Blackfriars Bridge under construction in 1764, engraved by Piranesi
Mylne's obelisk at St George's Circus, 1771
The Wick, Richmond, 1775
Blackfriars Bridge is a road and foot traffic bridge over the River Thames in London, between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Railway Bridge, carrying the A201 road. The north end is in the City of London near the Inns of Court and Temple Church, along with Blackfriars station. The south end is in the London Borough of Southwark, near the Tate Modern art gallery and the Oxo Tower. Opened in the 1860s, it replaced an earlier bridge from the 1760s.
Blackfriars Bridge seen from Waterloo Bridge
Blackfriars Bridge with St Paul's Cathedral behind
Temperance, a statue atop a drinking water fountain at the north end of Blackfriars Bridge.
Blackfriars Bridge viewed from upstream, looking south