August 1845: Glasgow Government School of Design – First Distribution of Prizes, in the Merchants’ Hall, Hutcheson Street

A substantial article, spread over two columns, on the front page of The Glasgow Chronicle,

on Friday the 15th of August, 1845, reports on the School’s first distribution of prizes to

pupils, as well as speeches by Committee members. The newspaper recorded a lot of

cheering from the “highly respectable company, embracing many of the friends of the

pupils.”

 

In addition:

 

“Though no public notice of the meeting had been given, nor circulars issued, the

attendance was nevertheless numerous, manifesting in a striking degree the interest

which is taken by the citizens in the success of the Institution.”

 

The event was held in the Merchants’ Hall, Hutcheson Street, and:

 

“At the head of the room the drawings of competitors were exhibited on the wall,

forming a collection, considering the short time that has elapsed since the

establishment was opened, of great beauty and merit.”

 

The article includes the names of prizewinners for Chalk Drawing, Outline Drawing,

Best Outline Drawing by a Pupil under 16 in Any of the Classes, and Female Class, along

with the cash amount each one received.

 

Those funding the prizes, as well as additional cash awards, were Sheriff Archibald

Alison, the School’s President, John Leadbetter, who was Lord Dean of Guild, D. C. Rait,

and A. S. Dalglish.

 

 

 

The British Newspaper Archive.

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, June 2025.