The Fine Arts in Glasgow

The Fine Arts

The history of support for the fine arts in Glasgow is rich and varied. From architects and artists, to pioneering art collectors and patrons, the wealth of information about individual and collective achievements is immense. There have been many pioneering…

The Foulis Academy’s Famous Pupils: James Tassie (1735-99)

Portrait of James Tassie, by David Allan. Reproduced courtesy of the National Galleries of Scotland. James Tassie was born in 1735 in Pollokshaws, which was, at the time, a village to the south of Glasgow but now is…

The Foulis Academy

David Allan, The Interior of the Foulis Academy of Fine Arts, c. 1761. In October 1753, The Glasgow Courant carried an advertisement for the opening, on the 3rd of December, of 'A School for the Art of Designing' ...…

David Hamilton (1768-1843): Architect and “Father of Architecture in the West of Scotland”

David Hamilton was born on the 11th of May 1768, the son of a stonemason. He trained as a builder/stonemason, and had some contact with the Adam family of architects, whose buildings in Glasgow included the old Royal Infirmary, Trades'…

Joseph Swan (1796-1872): Engraver and Publisher

Joseph Swan served his apprenticeship with Joseph Beugo, the Edinburgh engraver, and worked with other firms in the Scottish capital before he set up on his own in Glasgow in 1818. He took over the Engraving and Copperplate business established…

William Simpson: The “Clyde-built” artist

In the Introductory text to Glasgow in the Forties, William Simpson wrote that he had "often been asked, and that too in very far away parts of the world, as to where I was born. My answer at times has…

Charles Heath Wilson (1809-82)

Portrait of Charles Heath Wilson, by John Watson Gordon, reproduced courtesy of Glasgow Museums. Charles Heath Wilson was one of the most important individuals in Glasgow's cultural history. In 2000, he was the subject of a major exhibition, 'Charles…

‘Pioneers and Patrons’: An Exhibition which Commemorated the Bicentenary of the University of Strathclyde in 1996

Front cover of the Pioneers and Patrons booklet, 1996. In 1996, Glasgow's Collins Gallery was the venue for the exhibition Pioneers and Patrons, part of the University of Strathclyde's celebrations to mark the bicentenary of…

John Strang’s comments about David Hamilton, the architect, in “Glasgow and its Clubs”, 1856

Writing about the Western Club on Buchanan Street, in Glasgow, Strang added, in a footnote: "The late Mr. David Hamilton. Perhaps no one has contributed more to the architectural adornment of Glasgow than that gifted and tasteful individual. To him…

The ‘Hanging Stairs’ in Glasgow

It is due to writers, such as James Denholm, Frank Worsdall, Elizabeth Meldrum and Jack House, alongside artists and illustrators, including Geoffrey Squire, that we can still appreciate what once were must-see features of public and residential buildings in Glasgow.…

The Foulis Academy’s Famous Pupils: David Allan (1744-96), “The Scottish Hogarth”

David Allan, Self Portrait, Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, Edinburgh. David Allan was born in Alloa, and began his studies at the Foulis Academy when he was eleven years old. He left in 1762. Allan became a…

Alexander Gordon (1765-1849)

James Tassie's portrait of Alexander Gordon, reproduced courtesy of the National Galleries of Scotland. Alexander Gordon was one of Glasgow's most important art collectors. The son of a wealthy West India merchant, he became a partner in his father's business.…

The Munich Glass of Glasgow Cathedral

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Panoramas

This illustration of Panoramas, along with Dioramas, were among the most popular forms of entertainment in the nineteenth century. For further information about the history of panoramas in Glasgow in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, see George Farifull-Smith,…

A European vision – Robert Adam’s Glasgow

Portrait of Robert Adam, by James Tassie 1992 was the 200th anniversary of the death of Robert Adam, one of Scotland's greatest architects. To commemorate this, Latitudes Ltd, an international design consortium based in Glasgow, mounted an exhibition at the…

John Anderson (1726-96) and The Foulis Academy’s Pupils

Above, is the portrait of John Anderson, by James Tassie. It is known that he had his portrait painted by two pupils of the Foulis Academy: David Allan and William Cochrane. [caption id="attachment_563" align="alignnone" width="242"] William Cochrane, Professor John Anderson,…

John Mair of Plantation: Art Patron and Collector of Works by the Foulis Academy’s Graduates

'Plantation', photographed by Thomas Annan for The Old Country Houses of the Old Glasgow Gentry, 1878. Thomas Annan's photograph shows the Plantation mansion, with the wings and offices which had been added by John Mair (died 1824). Paisley-born Mair…

Peter Wright M. D. (1740?-1819)

Miniature portrait of Peter Wright, by an unknown artist. Reproduced courtesy of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Peter Wright was admitted to the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons in 1766, and was its President five…

“The Burns’ Cabinet”, 1817

On the 1st of February 1817, The Glasgow Courier notified its readers, on page 3, that "lovers of Poetry and Painting" would be gratified to know that Mr. A. Cochran, jeweller, had opened an apartment above his shop on the…

James Howe (1780-1836): Painter of Animals, People and Panoramas

Alexander D. Cameron's book about James Howe has the most appropriate title: The Man who Loved to Draw Horses. Published in 1986, it presents a fascinating study of the artist who was born in the village of Skirling, in Peebleshire.…

William Buchanan W.S. (1777-1864)

William Buchanan is one of the most important figures in the history of art dealing, speculating, and collecting, and was a member of one of Glasgow's leading families. His parents were John Buchanan of Ardoch (1733-89) and Helen Graham, and…

Basil Skinner: ‘A Scottish Catalyst: The Paintings of David Allan’, “Country Life”, 19th August 1965

In the introduction to his 1965 Country Life magazine article, Basil Skinner comments: "TO label David Allan with such epithets as 'the Scottish Hogarth' or 'the Scottish Zoffany,' is completely to misunderstand his contribution to the development of painting in Scotland. Allan…

Glasgow: The “greatest Victorian city in the world”

In Pavement in the Sun, 1967, page 189, Jack House provides an account of John Betjeman's impression of Glasgow. The visitor: "was so entranced by Victorian Glasgow. 'The headquarters of the Victorian Society shouldn't be in London,' he said. 'They…

Frank Worsdall: Spreull’s Land

In his book, The Tenement: A Way of Life, 1979, Frank Worsdall comments: "The most important New Town tenement to survive until recent times was Spreull's Land, No 182 Trongate, which was built in 1784." page 72. He then includes…

Andor Gomme and David Walker: Spreull’s Land

In Architecture of Glasgow, 1968 edition, page 53, Andor Gomme and David Walker commented: "No civic building of anything like the grandeur of the Tontine Hotel survives from eighteenth-century Glasgow. Trongate itself, battered and shoddy as it now looks, still…

Where ‘Picture’ Gordon once looked down: Charles Oakley, ‘Dear Old Glasgow Town’, 1975

In his 1975 publication, Dear Old Glasgow Town, Charles Oakley refers to one of Glasgow's most important, but often overlooked, art collectors. Under the heading 'Where 'Picture' Gordon once looked down, Oakley wrote: "One of the desirable plots laid out…

‘Missionary of art’ rescued from obscurity

This headline to this entry is taken from an article published in The Herald on Friday 1st of September, 2000. It was to promote a conference being held in Glasgow on Saturday 2nd September 2000,…

Glasgow Illustrated: Exhibition and Publication, 1999

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James Smith (1808-63) architect and art collector

James Smith - not to be confused with his seventeenth to eighteenth-century namesake (c. 1645-1731), who pioneered the Palladian style in Scotland, or James Smith of Jordanhill, the 'amateur architect' - was born in Alloa in 1808, and moved to…

When Govan was likened to Stratford-upon-Avon

'View of Govan from the East', drawn by Andrew Donaldson, and engraved by Joseph Swan for Select Views on the River Clyde. "This very pretty little village stands on the Clyde, about two miles below Glasgow. … Govan has been…

Panoramas: The Bombardment of Algiers – Abolition of Christian Slavery, 1820

An advertisement for the historical peristrephic panorama of the Bombardment of Algiers, in the Glasgow Herald, 19th of June 1820, page 3, is headed "Abolition of Christian Slavery." The entertainment was painted on upwards of 8000 square feet of canvas,…

Gavin Hamilton (1723-98) and the ‘Warwick Vase’

Portrait of Gavin Hamilton, by Archibald Skirving …

Who Subscribed to Joseph Swan’s Publications?

It is fortunate that Joseph Swan advertised in such a way, that so much information is available. He also produced prospectuses for the different series of views he engraved, such as Glasgow, the River Clyde and the Lakes of Scotland.…

Artists in Residence: West Regent Street

In the nineteenth century, a large number of Glasgow's artists had addresses, where they lived, or had their studios, on West Regent Street. The 1875-76 Post Office Directory has, under 'Artists', on page 631: Alex. Davidson at No. 65…

The Glasgow Dilettanti Society

The Glasgow Dilettanti Society was founded in 1825, "to improve the taste for, and advance the knowledge of the Fine Arts", and membership was limited to "Painters, Sculptors, Architects, Engravers and Etchers, or men possessing taste and critical knowledge…

The Foulis Exhibition at the Examination Hall, University of Glasgow, 1913

The Foulis Exhibition was held at the University of Glasgow, in 1913, and was organised by the Glasgow Bibliographical Society. It ran from the 12th to the 26th of April. An account of the opening ceremony was published, along with…

‘Theatre Royal, Dunlop Street’, watercolour by David Small

David Small (1846-1927) was a prolific artist, working in watercolour, and the Mitchell Library has a large collection of his views of buildings, streetscapes, and views in and around Glasgow. Small also produced illustrations for major publications such as Sketches…

George Square’s Statues: Sir John Moore, July 1819

From the Glasgow Herald, Friday 23rd July 1819, page 2: "We understand there is every reason to expect that Sir John Moore's statue will be erected on the south side of George's Square, looking down Miller Street, the spot pointed…

James Denholm discusses David Hamilton and the Theatre Royal, Queen Street

Façade of the Theatre Royal, Queen Street. Drawn by James Denholm, engraved by Robert Scott. A year before the new theatre opened, James Denholm included his drawing of the Queen Street front of the new building in The History of…

1990s Proposal for a ‘Robert Adam-Gianbattista Piranesi Monument’ at Glasgow Cross

In his regular 'Stamp Album' feature page in the Saturday issue of The Herald, Gavin Stamp's contribution on the 27th of November, 1993, page 13, concerns a proposal to erect a Robert Adam-Gianbattista Piranesi monument on the raised plinth, on…

Joseph Swan’s ‘Views on the River Clyde’: Comments in ‘The Edinburgh Literary Journal’, 1829

A short notice in The Edinburgh Literary Journal; or, Weekly Register of Criticism and Belles Lettres, No. 51, Saturday October 31st 1829, page 312, comments: "We have seen the first twelve Parts of this work, which is a cheap and…

The Grand Historical Panorama of the Storming of Seringapatam, November 1810

The Grand Historical Panorama of the Storming of Seringapatam (by the British Troops and their Allies), by Sir Robert Ker Porter (1777-1842) was in Glasgow in 1810. An advertisement in the Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 2nd of November, page…

Andrew Henderson (1783-1835)

Andrew Henderson, Self-portrait, oil. Reproduced courtesy of the University of Strathclyde. Andrew Henderson was born in Cleish, the son of the gardener to William Adam of Blair Adam. He spent some time in London, where he studied art,…

Joseph Swan’s ‘Select Views of Glasgow and Its Environs’: George Square

This view of George Square from the south-east corner, was drawn by John Fleming and engraved by Joseph Swan. In the text, it is called "George's Square", and John Leighton describes the buildings on the four sides: "The interior…

Mr. Donaldson: Winter Classes in Drawing and Painting, August 1827

On page 3 of the Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 24th August, Andrew Donaldson placed an advertisement to announce his Winter Classes in Drawing and Painting would commence on the 27th of the Month. His address was the Ingram Buildings.…

Engraved Portrait of George Birkbeck, 1827

An advertisement on page three of the Herald, on Friday 2nd of March 1827, informs readers that Messrs. Knight and Lacey had just published a "Fine Portrait" of George Birkbeck, Esq., M.D., F.G.S., M.A.S., President of the London Mechanics' Institution,…

The Foulis Exhibition at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow, 2001

Flyer produced to accompany the exhibition. In 2000, I proposed researching material relating to the history of Glasgow's pioneering Foulis Academy, and approached Enda Ryan and David Freckleton, at the Mitchell Library. I had collaborated with them, and other…

James Tassie’s Gems

James Tassie is described as "the most prolific collector and merchant of impressions of classical gems of the eighteenth century, providing sets and selections of impressions in a variety of materials. His collection is the most comprehensive of its day",…

Miss Thompson’s painting, ‘Balaclava (after the charge)’, at McClure’s Picture Gallery, 1877

Miss Elizabeth Thompson, Balaclava, 1876, oil on canvas, Manchester Art Gallery. The painting measures 103.4 (height) by 187.5 (width) cm. Miss Elizabeth Thompson's painting was on display in James McClure and Son's Picture Gallery, 14 Gordon Street. Admission…

“Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Journal”, May 1958, pages 257-9: ‘Glasgow Buildings – Spreull’s Land’

"The graceful, hanging staircase in Spreull's Land, 182 Trongate, Glasgow, was built in 1784, and people still come from far and near to see it. 'No such tenement as Spreull's Land had ever been erected in Trongate - or, for…

“The Scottish Field”, February 1942, page 40: ‘Unknown Glasgow — No. 49 Spreull’s Court, Trongate’

"The wide close at 182 Trongate which leads into this interesting relic of Old Glasgow has now been closed to the public, but admittance was readily granted by the proprietors of the old-established firm of Messrs Millers, Drawing Materials Ltd.…

Colin Clark ‘In Search of Buchanan’, “Scottish Art Review”, Volume XI, No. 4, 1968

Titian, Bacchus and Ariadne, The National Gallery, London. In 1968, the National Gallery in London was in the process of having Titian's celebrated painting, Bacchus and Ariadne, cleaned. In his article for the Scottish Art Review, Colin Clark commented…

William Buchanan’s Obituary in ‘The Art Journal’, 1864

William Buchanan died in January 1864. He had been staying with his brother Thomas, whose house was located at 3 Jane Street, Blythswood Square, Glasgow. The street is now the continuation of West George Street across the Square. Among…

William Buchanan: Speculator or Dealer?

In his 2017 book, Rogues' Gallery: A History of a Art and its Dealers, pages 41 to 42, Philip Hook devotes a chapter, titled 'The Art of Speculation: William Buchanan', to the Dalmarnock-born man. He comments: "William Buchanan was…

Panoramas in Glasgow

Panoramas were among the most popular forms of entertainment in the 19th century, and Glasgow was a favourite destination for these travelling works of art which were painted on vast expanses of canvas, and made to look as realistic as…

Robert McTear and the Royal Exchange Sale Rooms, April 1874

On Tuesday the 14th of April, on page four of The Glasgow Herald, readers were informed: "ROYAL EXCHANGE SALE ROOMS. Quite a crowd of picture fanciers and lovers of the antique, in the form of articles of household use…

“Novelty in Photography”: Glasgow Photographic Association Meeting, November 1864

From The Glasgow Herald, Thursday 24th of November 1864, page two: "NOVELTY IN PHOTOGRAPHY. - At a recent meeting of the Glasgow Photographic Association, there were exhibited specimens of a new style of cartes de visite, patented by Messrs.…

Sam Bough’s ‘Grand Moving Panorama, Representing the Queen’s Visit to Glasgow’, at the Prince’s Theatre-Royal, December 1849

In an advertisement, on page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 24th of December, 1849, Mr. Edmund Glover, the manager of the Prince's Theatre-Royal, which was located on West Nile Street and Buchanan Street, announced that a "NEW…

“The Royal Landing”, a Coloured Lithograph by Currie, McKay and Kirkwood, Ingram Street, December 1849

In an advertisement, headed "The Royal Landing", which is on page three of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 14th of December, 1849, Currie, McKay and Kirkwood, a firm of lithographers and engravers, announced that: "From the very flattering…

Mr. Bernard’s Daguerreotypes, April 1847

On Monday the 26th of April 1847, The Glasgow Herald informed its readers, on page two: "Mr. Bernard's Daguerreotypes. - We have had the pleasure of seeing several of the daguerreotypes taken by Mr. Bernard; a young American artist,…

Francois-Auguste Biard’s “The Slave Trade”, Exhibited at John Finlay’s Gallery, 49 Buchanan Street, November 1844

In November 1844, John Finlay informed the public that he had "Mr. BIARD'S Celebrated picture of a SCENE ON THE COAST OF AFRICA. lately beautifully engraved by Mr. Wagstaff." Advertisements, such as one on page three of The Glasgow Herald,…

Photographic Portraits, Mr. Bernard, Recently of Paris, April 1847

An advertisement on page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 2nd of April, 1847, reads: "PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAITS. MR. BERNARD, RECENTLY OF PARIS, Begs respectfully to inform the Nobility and Gentry of Glasgow, that he has taken the…

Egyptian Halls, Union Street, November 1873

From page four of The Glasgow Herald, Monday the 3rd of November, 1873: "EGYPTIAN HALLS. - We understand the Egyptian Halls, a building in Union Street, forming a particularly bold specimen of the Egypto-Greek style of architecture, has been…

Daguerreotype Portraits: Mr. Pickering, Andersonian University, June 1844

On page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 28th of June, 1844: "Daguerreotype Portraits. - We have seen some very beautiful and faithfully executed Daguerreotype portraits, which have been taken by Mr. Pickering, at his rooms in…

George Grosvenor Thomas R.S.W. exhibits his pictures in his West Regent Street Studio, April 1897

In a notice headed "Picture Exhibitions", on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 16th of April, the paper commented that: "Mr Grosvenor Thomas is showing in his studio at 2 West Regent Street a number of…

Exhibition of Pictures by Robert Cree Crawford, at the Institute of Fine Arts, McLellan Galleries, October 1907

The exhibition of pictures by Robert Cree Crawford (1842-1924) was advertised in The Glasgow Herald. The advert on page eight of the paper, on Monday the 7th of October, 1907, is positioned below one informing readers that an exhibition of…

45 Pictures by the Late Bessie MacNicol (1869-1904), at Craibe Angus and Son’s, 106 Hope Street, Glasgow, March 1905

[caption id="attachment_1404" align="alignnone" width="148"] Bessie MacNicol, Deborah, 1904, oil on canvas, reproduced courtesy of Glasgow Museums.[/caption] On Tuesday the 14th of March, 1905, The Glasgow Herald has a notice, on page six, which is headed and reads:…

Miss Kate W. Thomson opens “A Handicraft Exhibition” at 137 West Regent Street, Glasgow, November 1907

On Friday the 20th of November 1907, The Glasgow Herald informed its readers, on page 12, that Miss Kate W. Thomson had opened "an interesting exhibition of work in brass, copper, silver, and enamel" at 137 West Regent Street, in…

Glasgow Architectural Association, Lecture by Alexander Thomson, Esq., architect, of A. and G. Thomson, April 1863

A short notice on page three of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 4th of May, 1863, reads: "GLASGOW ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION. On Thursday evening last a lecture was delivered to the members of the association by Alexander Thomson, Esq.,…

Re-opening of the Maryhill Free Church, September 1859

On page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 16th of September 1859, the paper reported recent developments at the Maryhill Free Church: "RE-OPENING OF THE MARYHILL FREE CHURCH. - This church, after undergoing various important repairs, will…

Department of Science and Art, Glasgow School of Art, 1859

On page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 16th of September, 1859, under the heading "DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND ART. GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART," there is a "LIST of PARISH and other SCHOOL TEACHERS, of PUPIL TEACHERS, STUDENTS…

Glasgow Exhibit for the Paris Exhibition, 1889: Clutha Glass

On page eight of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 15th of April 1889, the following: "GLASGOW EXHIBIT FOR THE PARIS EXHIBITION. - An exhibit of 'Clutha' art glass has been prepared for the Glasgow Exhibition by Messrs James…

Govan: The John Elder Memorial, April 1889

On page nine of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 15th of April 1889: "GOVAN. - THE JOHN ELDER MEMORIAL. - The Executive Committee of the John Elder Memorial were on Friday night entertained by Mrs Elder in Buchanan's…

The Ups and Downs of Working Freelance: Being Told to Write Text for the “Lowest Common Denominator”

When I was researching information for the 1996 Pioneers and Patrons exhibition, I had numerous meetings with Laura Hamilton, who was the Curator of the Collins Gallery, at the University of Strathclyde. As time progressed, I began to realise that…

The Ups and Downs of Working Freelance: Dealing with Denis Mahon

In 1997, I thought I should contact Denis Mahon, "the distinguished art historian", in relation to my research into Alexander Gordon's collection. It contained a number of paintings by 17th-century Italian artists who were of particular interest to Mahon. Of…

Auction Sale of Italian Sculpture, at Hutchison and Dixon, 14 Virginia Street, on Wednesday the 16th and Thursday the 17th of March, 1859

A short notice and an advertisement in The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 16th of March 1859, provide useful information on what decorative could be purchased for wealthy and fashionable households in the city and its environs. On page…

Lodgings in West End Park for Sale, on the 16th of March, 1859

Two self-contained lodgings, "recently erected in Park Street East, Kelvingrove Park, immediately adjoining Park Circus" were "exposed for Sale, by Public Roup, within the Faculty Hall, St. George's Place, Glasgow," on Wednesday the 16th of March, 1859, at "One o'clock…

In 1993, Denis Mahon said: “Scotland does not have … a Salvator Rosa.” It seems he was unaware that Glasgow Museums had owned two very fine examples of Rosa’s work since the 1950s.

On Wednesday the 24th of March 1993, an article by Clare Henry, on page 15 of The Herald, examines Denis Mahon's frustration at the way his proposed bequest of paintings to the nation was being handled. Discussing the works he…

The Western Infirmary Extension, Meeting at Fairfield Shipyard, March 1903

On page eight of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 9th of March 1903, is the following: "WESTERN INFIRMARY EXTENSION. - MEETING AT FAIRFIELD. - A meeting of Fairfield shipyard employees was held at noon on Saturday to consider…

Technical College Craftsmen’s Society Meeting, March 1903

On page eight of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 9th of March, 1903, the paper reported: "TECHNICAL COLLEGE CRAFTSMEN'S SOCIETY. - At the usual meeting of this society held on Friday night - Mr C Ernest Monro, architect,…

The Artists’ Fancy Dress Ball, St. Andrew’s Halls, Glasgow, December 1896

From page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 18th of November, 1896: "THE ARTISTS' FANCY DRESS BALL. - The arrangements for the Fancy Dress Ball, to be held in St Andrew's Halls on 4th December in aid…

The Denovan Adam Pictures – Purchase of “Balmoral” by the Corporation, December 1896

[caption id="attachment_1728" align="alignnone" width="300"] Joseph Denovan Adam, Balmoral, Autumn, oil on canvas. Reproduced courtesy of Glasgow Museums.[/caption] A short notice on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 15th of December, 1896, informed readers that Balmoral, the…

The Templeton Art Club Exhibition, Glasgow, November 1923

On page nine of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 28th of November 1923, readers were informed that: "A small but very successful exhibition of art has just been held in the eastern district of Glasgow. It was organised…

Public Sale of a Charming Collection of Pictures by, and the Property of, J. J. Bannatyne, R.S.W., at Walter J. Buchanan, 72 Renfield Street, Glasgow, April 1898

A short notice on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 4th of April, 1898, informed readers about an auction of pictures, on Tuesday the 5th, at Walter J. Buchanan's Renfield Street gallery. The artist was John James…

Members of the “Glasgow Art Brotherhood”, at the Pittsburgh International Fine-Art Exhibition, 1898

On page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the eighth of November, 1898, under the heading "Fine Arts", readers were informed that: "At the Pittsburgh International Fine-Art Exhibition Alexander Roche has received a third medal and $500 for…

Exhibition of Oil and Watercolour Sketches, by Mr. Thomson Laing, a Young Glasgow Artist, at the Gallery of Messrs. John Orr & Co., Wellington Street, Glasgow, November 1890

On page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 25th of November, 1890, is the following short note: "EXHIBITION OF SKETCHES. - Messrs John Orr & Co. have on view, in their gallery in Wellington Street, a series…

Sale by Auction of Works by George Grosvenor Thomas, at Walter J. Buchanan’s Renfield Street Rooms, on Tuesday the 8th of February, 1898

On Monday the 7th of February, 1898, The Glasgow Herald informed its readers, on page six, about an auction sale of paintings which was scheduled to take place the following day. The notice reads: "Mr Walter J. Buchanan will…

Alexander Roche’s “Peggy” is Purchased by the International Jury of the Carnegie Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, U.S.A, 1898

On page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 7th of February, 1898, readers were informed: FINE ARTS.- The international jury of the Carnegie Art Gallery, Pittsburg [sic], have purchased for their permanent collection Alex. Roche's picture 'Peggy,' which…

Art in the New Tea-Room, in the Polytechnic Warehouse Extension, November 1898

From page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 9th of November, 1898: "POLYTECHNIC WAREHOUSE EXTENSION. - The Polytechnic Warehouse, in Argyll Street, has been extended by the addition of two flats and basement to the west of…

International Photographic Exhibition to be held in Glasgow, in September 1891

On page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 17th of April, 1891, readers were informed that: "It has been arranged to hold an International Photographic Exhibition in the Institute of the Fine Arts during the month of…

Sandyford Murder Case: Plans of the House in which the Murder was Committed, Lithographed by Messrs. Maclure and Macdonald, September 1862

On page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 24th of September 1862, is the following: "SANDYFORD MURDER CASE - PLANS OF THE HOUSE IN WHICH THE MURDER WAS COMMITTED. - We were shown yesterday a sheet containing…

Portrait of the Rev. Dr. Leishman of Govan, by John Graham Gilbert, Esq., November 1859

From page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 14t of November, 1859: "PORTRAIT OF THE REV. DR. LEISHMAN OF GOVAN, BY JOHN GRAHAM GILBERT, ESQ. - On Thursday last, a number of ladies and gentlemen, members of…

The Glasgow Architectural Society: Committee to be Appointed to Examine and Report upon the Stained Glass Recently Fitted up in the Great West Window of Glasgow Cathedral, March 1860

On page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 6th of March, 1860, is the following: "THE GLASGOW ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. "An extraordinary meeting of the society was held last night in the Scottish Exhibition Rooms, Bath Street,…

Fine Art Volunteer Rifle Corps, March 1860

A 'Public Notice' published on the front page of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 6th of March, 1860 reads: "FINE ART VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS. "This corps, composed of those connected with Art and Art Manufacture, MEETS for DRILL…

The St. George’s Art School, 147 St. George’s Road, Glasgow, Managed by Mr. Robert Brydall, September 1881

From page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 16th of September, 1881: "THE ST GEORGE'S ART SCHOOL.- To the existing private educational establishments in Glasgow there is now added an academy for the study of drawing and…

Monsieur Edouart, Silhouettiste of the French Royal Family, Patronized by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, at 149 Queen Street, Glasgow, in November 1831

An advertisement on page three of the Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 7th of November, 1831, reads: "Patronized by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. MONSIEUR EDOUART, SILHOUETTIST OF THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY, No. 149, QUEEN STREET, REspectfully…

The Swaneveltine Style of Painting: Mr. and Mrs. Cruickshank, to Give Instructions in Glasgow, in December 1833

An advertisement on page two of the Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 2nd of December, 1833, reads: "THE SWANEVELTINE STYLE OF PAINTING, (NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME INTRODUCED.) MR. & MRS. CRUICKSHANK, from BRUNSWICK SQUARE, LONDON, and GEORGE STREET,…

Mechanical and Architectural Drawing Academy, Mr. Fisher of Deanston Works, October 1832

An advertisement on page three of the Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 22nd of October, 1832, reads: "MECHANICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING ACADEMY. MR. FISHER, from DEANSTON WORKS, Successor to the late MR. JAMES WATT, Architect in Glasgow, will open…

Donations to the Andersonian Museum in 1831: A Painting by Professor Gilfillan, and Drawings presented by Mr. D. B. Stark

A short article on page two of the Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 2nd of January, 1832, informed readers about the Andersonian Soirée which was held on the 27th of December, 1831. The paper reported that: "Several donations received since…

A Lost, Forgotten, or Overlooked, Mansion designed by David Hamilton, at Brougham Terrace, Situated at the North End of St. George’s Road, is for sale in August 1883

For the present, not much is known about this property which, according to an advertisement, on page two of the Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 19th of April, 1833, was located at the "North End of St. George's Road". There…

Mr. Hamilton’s Monument, May 1844

From page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 13th of May, 1844: "MR. HAMILTON'S MONUMENT. THE Gentlemen who have Subscription Lists for the Monument to be erected to the Memory of the late DAVID HAMILTON, Esq., Architect,…

John Finlay, 49 Buchanan Street, May 1844: A New Selection of German and French Engravings and Lithographs, and a Collection of French Designs

From page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 13th of May, 1844: "JOHN FINLAY, CARVER, GILDER, AND PRINTSELLER, 49, Buchanan Street, BEGS to announce that he has just received a Selection of the Newest GERMAN and FRENCH…

Private View of the Original Portrait of the Reverend Thomas Chalmers, by Thomas Duncan, at McClure, Printseller, 6 Royal Bank Place, May 1844

From page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 13th of May, 1844: "McCLURE, PRINTSELLER, 6, ROYAL BANK PLACE. PRIVATE VIEW OF THE ORIGINAL PORTRAIT OF THE REVEREND THOMAS CHALMERS, D.D., LL.D., PAINTED BY THOMAS DUNCAN, ESQ., R.S.A.,…

The Progress of Decorative Art – Lodge St. Mark, February 1856

An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 27th of February, 1856, reads: "THE PROGRESS OF DECORATIVE ART - LODGE ST. MARK. In the lectures and instructions which for many years have formed part…

Drawing and Painting Classes, with Mr. Jastemski, 15 Rose Place, Hill Street, Glasgow, October 1849

An advertisement on page three of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 1st of October, 1849, reads: "DRAWING AND PAINTING. MR. JASTEMSKI, a Pupil of Sir William Allan and Delaroche intends to give Instructions in CHALK and PENCIL DRAWING,…

Oak Furniture for Glasgow Cathedral’s Chapter House, September 1869

A short notice on page four of The Glasgow Daily Herald, on Tuesday the 7th of September, 1869, reads: "GLASGOW CATHEDRAL.—We had an opportunity recently of inspecting several articles of oak furniture in the warehouse of Messrs Robert Whyte…

Three Oil Paintings at the Queen’s Park Free Church Bazaar, March 1873

A short notice on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 31st of March, 1873, reads: "QUEEN'S PARK FREE CHURCH BAZAAR.—This bazaar, which closed on Saturday evening, was largely patronised during the day, and especially in the…

Edwards’ Panorama of America, Albion Hall, College Street, April 1876

A notice on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 21st of April, reads: "EDWARDS' PANORAMA OF AMERICA.—There is at present being exhibited in the Albion Hall, College Street, a beautiful panorama of life and scenes in…

Mr. Ruskin and Glasgow’s “Hideous Houses”

A short notice on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 10th of January, 1882, reads: "MR RUSKIN AND GLASGOW.—Mr Moncure D. Conway, in a letter to a Cincinnati paper, says : 'Some little time ago, when…

Monument to the Late Sir Robert Peel, December 1855

A short notice on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 14th of December, 1855, reads: "Monument to the late Sir Robert Peel.—Yesterday, a meeting of the committee appointed to carry out the above testimonial was held…

Glasgow School of Art and Haldane Academy, December 1879: Professor Legros

A short article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Thursday the 11th of December, 1879, reads: GLASGOW HALDANE ACADEMY. - An artistic lesson of a practical and highly interesting character was given to the lady students of…

Opening of Eglinton Street Congregational Church, March 1866

An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 6th of August, 1866, provides an account of the new church, constructed for the Rev. David Russell's congregation. Opened on Sunday the 5th of August, the building…

Paintings by a Pugilist, on Sale at Robert McTear’s, St Mary’s Hall, Renfield Street, March 1866

Jem Ward (1800-84), circa 1825. A short article on page five of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 7th of March, 1866, informs readers about an interesting sale: "PAINTINGS BY A PUGILIST. - Mr. Robert McTear (of…

Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts and the Industrial Schools, March 1865

An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Saturday the 25th of March, 1865, reads: "GLASGOW INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. - Through the kindness of the committee of management of the Institute of the Fine Arts, the inmates of…

Tollcross Scientific Association, January 1865: Lecture on Photography, by John Stuart

A short article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 25th of January, 1865, reads: "TOLLCROSS SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION. - On Monday evening last, John Stuart, Esq., Glasgow, delivered a lecture in Fullarton School Room, on "Photography."…

Glasgow Photographic Association: Ordinary Monthly Meeting, in the Andersonian University, on Thursday the 2nd of February, 1865

A short article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 3rd of February, 1865, reads: "GLASGOW PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION. - The ordinary monthly meeting of the Glasgow Photographic Association was held last night in the Andersonian University…

Albion Street Hall, October 1858

On Monday the 31st of October, 1858, The Glasgow Herald published an article from the Courier newspaper, on page seven. It reads: "Albion Street Hall. - We observe that Albion Street Hall, adjoining the City Hall, has just been…

Glasgow Photographic Association’s Soiree in the Merchants’ Hall, on Monday the 28th of January, 1867

An article on page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 29th of January, 1867, reads: "PHOTOGRAPHERS' SOIREE. - Last night the annual soiree under the auspices of the Glasgow Photographic Association took place in the Merchants' Hall,…

Glasgow Architectural Association, November 1851

An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 3rd of November, 1851, reads: "Glasgow Architectural Association. - We learn that this Association of the architectural draughtsmen and professional pupils in the city, has been favoured…

Portrait of Mrs Harriet Beecher Stowe, Published by Mr Morison Kyle, of Glasgow. March 1853

An article on page five of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 14th of March, 1853, reads: "Portrait of Mrs. Beecher Stowe. - We have seen a very creditable portrait of the eminent authoress of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' which…

Monument to the Late Sir Robert Peel, December 1855

A short article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 28th of December, 1855, reads: "Monument to the Late Sir Robert Peel. - Yesterday at noon, a meeting of the committee appointed to carry out the…

Golf and Curling Exhibits at Glasgow Exhibition, February 1901

An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 26th of February, 1901, reads: "GOLF AND CURLING RELICS AT GLASGOW EXHIBITION. - The Rev. John Kerr, the manse, Dirleton, Haddington, who is in charge of the…

The St Andrew’s Halls, August 1898: Redecoration

An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Thursday the 1st of September, 1898, reads: "THE ST ANDREW'S HALLS. - The opening concert in connection with the Corporation Musical Recitals takes place in St Andrew's Hall on…

Daguerreotype Portraits, Andersonian University, George Street, June 1844: E. J. Pickering, from Monsieur Claudet of the Royal Adelaide Gallery, London

On page two of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 17th of June, 1844, is an advertisement informing readers that: "E. J. PICKERING, from Monsieur CLAUDET, of the Royal Adelaide Gallery, London, begs respectfully to inform the Nobility and…

Daguerreotype Portraits at the Andersonian, December 1844: Mr Pickering Extends His Stay in Glasgow

An article on page four of The Glasgow Citizen, on Saturday the 26th of october, 1844, reads: "DAGUERREOTYPE PORTRAITS. - From the success which has attended Mr. Pickering's labours since he arrived in this city, we understand that he…

Daguerreotype Portraits at the Andersonian, November 1844: Mr Pickering’s Work

In a short notice on page four of The Glasgow Citizen, on Saturday the 23rd of November, 1844, readers were informed that Mr Pickering, "the celebrated artist from the Adelaide Gallery, London," was: "still pursuing this interesting process at…

The Andersonian Museum and Mr Pickering’s Studio, Next-Door: Glasgow Fair Holiday, July 1844

On Saturday the 13th of July, 1844, The Glasgow Citizen referred to E. J. Pickering, in a short notice, on page two, about activites during the Glasgow Fair holidays: "THE ANDERSONIAN INSTITUTION, &c. - The Andersonian Museum is open…

The Wealth of a City: Volume Two

January 1900: The Kelvinside Academy and the Paris Exhibition

A short article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 16th of January, 1900, reads: "THE KELVINSIDE ACADEMY AND THE PARIS EXHIBITION. - The designs sent up by the art department of this school for exhibition…

New Municipal Buildings in Govan, April 1901: Sculptured Portraits of Provost Kirkwood and Bailie Marr, by Mr Macfarlane Shannon

An article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 30th of April, 1901, reads: "GOVAN MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS. - In connection with the new Municipal Buildings at Govan, sculptured portraits of Provost Kirkwood and Bailie Marr were…

Glasgow School of Art, October 1901: a Lecture by Mr P. Macgregor Chalmers, F.S.A.

Peter MacGregor (also spelt Macgregor) Chalmers (1859-1922). Please see the Dictionary of Scottish Architects, www.scottisharchitects.org.uk for further information. A short article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 22nd of October, 1901, reads: "GLASGOW SCHOOL…

November 1887: Opening of the St Mungo Art Society Exhibition

An article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 7th of November, 1887, reads: "ST MUNGO ART SOCIETY. - The annual exhibition in connection with the St Mungo Art Society opens to-day. With one or two…

April 1898: Glasgow Municipal Buildings – Decorating of the Banqueting Hall

An article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 20th of April, 1898, reads: "GLASGOW MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS. - DECORATING OF THE BANQUETING HALL. - The Municipal Buildings Committee met yesterday to consider the appointment of artists…

Dean of Guild Court, December 1856: Mr. Bell Granted Permission to Erect a Range of Buildings Opposite to Kelvingrove Park

A short article on page five of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 22nd of December, 1856, reads: "Dean of Guild Court. - In addition to other buildings sanctioned by this court, as mentioned in Friday's Herald, permission was…

April 1914: Corporation Galleries – Loan Exhibition of Etchings and Engravings

A short article on page ten of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 22nd of April, 1914, reads: "CORPORATION ART GALLERIES. The Corporation of Glasgow have arranged a loan exhibition of etchings and engravings in the Kelvingrove Galleries…

May 1914: Mr Gilbert A. Ramsay Recommended and Appointed Superintendent of the Art Galleries and Museums

An article on page eight of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 13th of May, 1914, reports: "GLASGOW ART GALLERIES. SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDED. A special meeting of the Glasgow Corporation Sub-Committee on Art Galleries and Museums was held yesterday -…

Kelvingrove Art Gallery, September 1912: D. Y. Cameron’s “Cir Mhor”

A short notice on page three of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 17th of September, 1912, reads: "KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY, GLASGOW. The powerfully painted picture of mountain scenery 'Cir Mohr' recently purchased by the Corporation from Mr D.…

Let’s Not Forget: Options for a National Gallery of Scotland in Glasgow

This is one of several publications produced in connection with the proposals to establish a National Gallery of Scotland in Glasgow, in the 1990s.

Let’s Not Forget: A National Gallery of Scottish Art – The Case for Glasgow

This one of several publications, produced in the 1990s.

February 1933: Glasgow Art Teacher – Death of Miss D. Carleton Smyth

An article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Thursday the 16th of February, 1933, reads: "GLASGOW ART TEACHER DEATH OF MISS D. CARLETON SMYTH The death of Miss Dorothy Carleton Smyth, which occurred suddenly at…

November 1921: Mr Hornel’s Paintings of Japan

An article on page three of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 15th of November, 1921, reads: "MR HORNEL'S PAINTINGS OF JAPAN Mr E. A. Hornel has recently returned from an extended tour of Japan and Burma, and…

March 1879: Mr David Murray’s Latest Picture

An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 11th of March, 1879, reads: "MR DAVID MURRAY'S LATEST PICTURE. - This artist has completed the most important picture he has yet painted, if judged by…

The Art Trade: Auctioneers – J. and R. Edmiston, 1856

An advertisement on the front page of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 8th of September, 1856, reads: "J. & R. EDMISTON, AUCTIONEERS AND VALUATORS. JOHN EDMISTON (Late with Messrs. Hutchison & Dixon, Auctioneers), and RICHARD EDMISTON (Late with…

January 1902: Honour to Glasgow Artist – Mr William Kennedy

An article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 22nd of January, 1902, reads: "HONOUR TO GLASGOW ARTIST.- Mr William Kennedy, a Glasgow artist, has been awarded a gold medal in connection with the Dresden International…

The Belgian Relief Fund, December 1914: Exhibition of Pictures by R. Gemmell Hutchison, R.S.A, at George Davidson, Limited, Galleries, 123 Sauchiehall Street

An advertisement on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 11th of December, 1914, informed readers that by desire of the artist, R. Gemmell Hutchison, it had been agreed to hand over ten per cent of the gross…

January 1891: Glasgow Art Club – Proposed New Art Galleries

A short article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 7th of January, 1891, reads: "GLASGOW ART CLUB. - A large and representative meeting of the members of the club was held in the club-house in…

October 1883: Christ Before Pilate – M. Michael Munkacsy CHECK SPELLING

An article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 5th of October, 1883. Mihály Munkácsy (20 February 1844 – 1 May 1900) see wiki, ad on page four on 5th. see am dram at Maryhill on…