Robert Butchart held the post of Edinburgh City Librarian from 1942 until 1953. Mr Butchart had a particular interest in topographical prints of Old Edinburgh, and collected drawings by the likes of Bruce J. Home and engravings by John Ewbank and William Home Lizars. In October 1982 the collection was presented to the Central Library by his daughter, Miss Jean Butchart.

A selection of lithographs from the collection, showing Edinburgh in the 19th and early 20th centuries is currently on display on the mezzanine floor of Central Library, and will be so until the end of this month.