I’m not a big fan of modern art as regular readers will know but Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art is free to explore and I was intrigued by the history of the building itself. The gallery was opened in 1966 but the building dates from 1778 when it was the townhouse of William Cunninghame a tobacco merchant and slave trader.
The Lighthouse is Scotland’s National Centre for Design and Architecture. Originally it was the offices of the Glasgow Herald newspaper, designed by the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh as his first public commission and completed in 1895.
Provand’s Lordship was built in 1471 and is one of Glasgow’s few surviving medieval buildings located not far from the Cathedral. It was built by Andrew Muirhead, the Bishop of Glasgow, as part of the then St Nicholas’ Hospital.
It should be obvious by now that I enjoy exploring a good cemetery and Glasgow’s Necropolis is one of the best. Established in 1832 it’s located on a hill next to Glasgow Cathedral (featuring in a future post) that, like Highgate in London, was inspired by Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
Glasgow is renowned for its impressive street art and while I didn’t go on one of the many walking tours of the artwork available I did take some time one afternoon to seek some of them out. A few of my favourites are below.
The above, unofficially titled St Mungo, is probably the one I’ve seen the most shared around social media but it really is a stunning piece and definitely worth seeing in person to take in all the details close up. Completed in 2016 it’s by the artist Smug.
Another one of Smug’s work is this beautiful wildlife scene overlooking Ingram Street car park. Tricky to pick a favourite but the badgers are particularly adorable. I love the way it looks like you’re peering through holes in the wall.
Created for his 75th birthday by the artist Rogue One this is a great portrait of Billy Connolly that you can find in Osborne Street.
Another one of Smug’s works is this image of a girl with a magnifying glass not far from Glasgow Central Station.
You can find more photos of Glasgow’s street art here.
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