Glasgow: Around Town

In the 1800s, the population of Glasgow increased 1000%, evidenced by the fairly uniform style, Georgian (neo-classical) buildings, in massive numbers. The most prominent architect was referred to as Alexander "Greek" Thomson. Though not our favorite style, we still went to see a mansion he designed; the National Trust Holmwood House. I later realized only such a vast amount of construction can give rise to exceptional minds like the Mackintoshes.

Besides Mackintoshes, we also loved the Kibble Palace at the Botanical Gardens and the University Cloisters. However, the Glasgow Subway was the real surprise. Built originally in 1896, it was never expanded, and it is a hobbit subway. I feel like I have to duck to get in. Taller people must duck. The cars are new and orange, but it's like sitting in a kindergarten room. It only has 15 stations, and a total of 10+ km long. We actually used it a number of times. Every time we got in the car, I had to suppress the giggles rising up in me.

We arrived at the Glasgow Queen Street Station. The adjacent George Square, the Heart of Glasgow, was closed for renovation.


After checking in to the Social Hub Hotel, we took the Clockwork Orange Subway to the western part of the city.




The highlight of the Botanic Gardens is the 19th-century Kibble Palace glasshouse.








This is Grosvenor Terrace, typical 19th-century Georgian upscale terrace (row) housing.


Polymath and muralist artist Alasdair Gray has a highly visible presence in the West End. First below is one of his many murals at Ubiquitous Chip Restaurant. Second below, a mural in the nearby Hillhead Subway Station.




The Art Deco Landmark "The Beresford" (1938). Nice!


Charing Cross Mansions


Streets


Glasgow Royal Infirmary


Grand Hall of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum


Glasgow Cathedral




Mosque, School, and Community Center.


Atlantes at the Grand Entrance to 146 Argyle Street (1903)


Around the University of Glasgow. Second and Third below are the Hunterian Museum.












Floating Heads (Expressions) Installation (2006) by Sophie Cave in the Main Hall of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum


Windows in the West (1993) by Scottish artist Avril Paton (1st below), and VE Day (1945) by L. S. Lowry (2nd below), at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum




The Lost Socks Laundry Room at our hotel.


We took a train to Cathcart in the suburbs to visit the Holmwood House (1857), designed by Alexander "Greek" Thomson






The Big Board at Glasgow Central Station




Rainbow Road - Merchant City, Glasgow


One of the ubiquitous Cafe Neros.


The Historic Art Deco Former Paramount Cinema, and Former Odeon Cinema (1934) - Now The Reel House