Liverpool to Glasgow
Getting there and the walking route (sort of)
Left Liverpool early to catch the train, everything went well until Preston. There had been an earlier issue on the track which caused several cancellations. After point-blank explaining to my mom not to be nice, or polite... and just get on the train, we managed to squeeze on the next train (with seats even) and eventually arrived in Glasgow (only two hours late).
Glasgow
Rejuvenated, upbeat Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, changed irrevocably in 1990 when it energetically embraced its status as European City of Culture. Set on the banks of the mighty River Clyde, this former industrial giant can seem less than enticing as you approach, and many of its outer suburbs remain seriously deprived. However, after a little time exploring, visitors will find a city that is, in its own idiosyncratic way, a cultured and dynamic place well worth getting to know.
~ The Rough Guide to Scotland
Willow Tea Room
Located on the 3rd floor of this well-known Glasgow institution, the two family businesses… Watt Brothers and the Willow Tea Rooms… both firmly believe in putting the customer first. The history of Watt Brothers makes fascinating reading. Founded in 1915 by Allan Watt, labelled as Scotland’s ‘Mr Selfridge’, the business today is run by Allan’s great-grandson, Willie.
In 1929 the original Watt Brothers store at 119-121 Sauchiehall Street was extended, the architects involved being the firm of Keppie & Henderson, the one-time employer of a certain young architect, a Mr Charles Rennie Mackintosh… what a great example of the synergies between our businesses.
The store in Sauchiehall Street with its walnut panelling, magnificent ceilings and a grand sweeping staircase was, and still is today, a visitor attraction in its own right. Add in the Willow Tea Rooms with their interiors inspired by Mackintosh and you have a mix that is sure to please.
George Square
George Square is the principal civic square in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. It is named after King George III. Laid out in 1781, George Square is surrounded by architecturally important buildings including on the east side the palatial Municipal Chambers, also known as the City Chambers, whose foundation stone was laid in 1883. Built by Glasgow Corporation it is the continuing headquarters of Glasgow City Council. Joseph Swan`s panoramic engraving of 1829 shows the early development of the square and its surrounding buildings. The square boasts an important collection of statues and monuments, including those dedicated to Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott.
Gallery of Modern Art
Opened in 1996, the Gallery of Modern Art is housed in a neoclassical building in Royal Exchange Square in the heart of Glasgow city centre. Built in 1778 as the townhouse of William Cunninghame of Lainshaw, a wealthy Glasgow Tobacco Lord who made his fortune through the triangular slave trade, the building has undergone a series of different uses. It was bought in 1817 by the Royal Bank of Scotland who later moved onto Buchanan Street; it then became the Royal Exchange. Reconstruction for this use was undertaken by David Hamilton between 1827 and 1832 and resulted in many additions to the building, namely the Corinthian pillars to the Queen Street facade, the cupola above and the large hall to the rear of the old house.
In 1954, Glasgow District Libraries moved the Stirling's Library into the building. When the library returned to Miller Street, the building was refurbished to house the city's contemporary art collection.
Out and About
Red Sandstone
Sandstone is the dominant building stone type used in Glasgow. Two types of sandstone were generally used in the construction of the buildings - the so-called 'red' and 'blonde' sandstones. Many of city’s stone buildings were built in the second part of the 19th century and are now of an age where some of the stonework is showing signs of decay and require repair. The legacy of air pollution from industry and domestic coal burning through much of the 20th century has accelerated stone decay in many parts of the city.
Murals, Murals Everywhere
If you're out and about in Glasgow City Centre, then you'll most likely have come across some huge pieces of art adorning some of the city's brickwork. Embracing the concept of street art, The City Centre Regeneration team has created the very first City Centre Mural Trail, all contained in one easy walking route.
The City Centre Mural Trail features a diverse range of arts set within one easy walking area. The huge range of artwork on display has something to suit all tastes - conservative to radical, quirky to bizarre. The murals have been produced on buildings, vacant shop units, and on hoardings around vacant land. The first art work was produced in 2008 and this portfolio of completed works has expanded since.
Marking the 75th birthday of the much-loved Glaswegian comedian Billy Connolly, you'll find three brilliant new murals around the city created from original pieces of artwork. Jack Vettriano, John Byrne, and Rachael Maclean were commissioned to portray the Big Yin in their own respective styles and we think you'll agree that the end results are an amazing tribute to one of the greatest comedians of all time!
You'll find this fantastical floating taxi on Mitchell Street adjacent to Glasgow's Style Mile, created by artist Rogue-one. Capturing the attention of all who walk past, it's a great piece to start off your trail.
Staying on Mitchell Street, you'll find this colossal image depicting a girl with a magnifying glass - at the right angle, it looks as if she's plucking people off the street! Created by artist Smug, it's within walking distance of Central Station.
Did you know Glasgow has its very own Panda? You'll find this piece from artist Klingatron (James Klinge) at Gordon Lane, close to The Lighthouse, one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's most famous commissions in the city.
Building Adornments
Gin 71
The night-time incarnation of Cup Tea Lounge, this gorgeous, glamorous gin bar occupies the old Bank of India building, hence the lavishly colored tiles and dazzling mosaic flooring. There are gins of every persuasion here - 71 in fact; fruity, floral, citrus, spiced, you name it, and all with superb tasting notes. But if it's all still too confusing, have a cheeky bash at a gin flight.
~ Rough Guide to Scotland pg. 212