Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on two important examples of Glasgow’s rich history of architecture and design.

Information on two examples of Architecture and Design-Part 1

Many people will associate Glasgow with heavy industry but behind that facade is a long history of architecture and design.

First, Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a world class architect of the late 19th/early 20th centuries.He is the best known of a group called the ‘Glasgow Four’. The other three were Margaret MacDonald, Herbert MacNair and Frances MacDonald (sister of Margaret).

The above artists met as young students at Glasgow School of Art in the mid 1890s. Mackintosh and MacNair were close friends and fellow apprentice architects in the Glasgow practice of Honeyman and Keppie.The sisters were day students at Glasgow School of Art. The four formed an informal creative alliance which produced innovative and at times controversial graphics.There were also decorative art designs. This latter work made an important contribution to the development and recognition of a distinctive ‘Glasgow Style’.

Recently, a new ceramic mural celebrating a “lost” artwork by the two MacDonald sisters has been unveiled. Location is Glasgow Central Station.

The above advertising design was to promote Drooko Umbrellas. This product was manufactured in Glasgow for a business owned by local man Jospeh Wright.

Relying on fragmentary photographic images of the original the new work was created by Make It Glasgow.This was supported with additional funding from the Railway Heritage Trust.

Information on two examples of Architecture and Design-Part 2

The second example is a highly regarded work by architect, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. As the foregoing link illustrates Thomson was well regarded in his day. There remains a considerable portfolio of his work to admire.

Within the last few days an important example of Thomson’s work has become visible.This is known as the Egyptian Halls which can be seem on Union Street,.

The drab nature of the façade belies the quality of the design work. For over 15 years the building was covered by scaffolding.This was due to a stand off between the owner/developer and Glasgow Council. The Council now contemplates compulsory purchase of the site. Consequently, the old scaffolding has been removed. There will now be short interregnum pending erection on new scaffolding. This will allow work to commence on a wide range of remediation issues which should be finished by Christmas.

This post connects nicely with Scottish art, architecture and culture.

More Information

For more information on Glasgow and many other aspects of Scotland please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.