Glasgow Follies

[jamie allan]

The main park in Glasgow has some constructions that are a testament to the days of empire and money.

The building was built as a carpet factory but the design was based on the Doges Palace in Venice. It's now a business centre.

The fountain is the Doulton Fountain which is the largest surviving terracota fountain in the world. It depicts the four corners of the empire. Ah - those were the days eh!

[Zuiko]

Re: Glasgow Follies

We've still got an Empire with four corners - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland!

However, in fifty years the "four corners" will probably be England, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly and Isle of Wight!

Nice pictures, Jamie, thanks for showing.

[jonesy]

Re: Glasgow Follies

I love photos like this. The buildings are from a time when there was pride (and money) in the workplace. Most buildings these days seem to be dull, these are not! The detail that has gone into creating them is amazing. And you seem to have captured them really well. Thanks for sharing them

[StephenL]

Re: Glasgow Follies

They don't build factories like they used to!

[snaarman]

Re: Glasgow Follies

They don't build factories like they used to!

Aye, you used to pay t'owner fer t'privilige of working there in t'old days

Great pictures..

Pete

[jdal]

Re: Glasgow Follies

Good shots! I lived in Glasgow for 5 years and never went there. I think it was a bit iffy in those parts in 1969

[jamie allan]

Re: Glasgow Follies

John,
You'd not recognise it from then, The local planners let developers build a project called 'homes for the future' not far from the fountain location. I think they'd previously designed egg boxes and lego sets - what a contrast - all angles and flat roofs with a bit of external wood panelling every now and then. Do you remember the Peoples Palace - part museum, part greenhouse. It's a lovely building and the fountain was moved a couple of years ago to be in front of it.
You're right though - don't think I'd be doing any night photography in the area.
Jamie

[Ann1e]

Re: Glasgow Follies

Barrie and I stayed (lived) in Glasgow for four years from 1970 so probably have similar memories of the city to those of John. I remember it being the start of the regeneration of the Clydeside area but I really enjoyed working in the city centre - think I'm a townie at heart and I always love the 'buzz' of the city.

We have happy memories of our time there, although at that time we were both working full time and had little time for photography. However, we lived where the city boundary met Dunbartonshire, so were able to escape towards Loch Lomond very easily.

These pix bring back happy memories of our time there - thanks for showing.

Regards, Ann1e

[jamie allan]

Re: Glasgow Follies

Annie,
Don't know where you lived in Glasgow - I assume somewhere west of city. Here's some images that might stir memories

episcopal cathedral great western road



glasgow university tower from kelvingrove park



mitchell theatre entrance and frontage



I'm still getting used to using a good camera so my technique is a bit hit and miss I'm afraid but I like the images

drovers inn inverarnon view from the car park

[jdal]

Re: Glasgow Follies

Cheers Jamie,

I lived around the University, ending up at 10 Colebrooke Street. I was back 10 yrs ago, it's now the first tenament in the street as 1-9 have been demolished, who knows why as they were fine tenaments.

Thanks for the shots, I remember that university tower well!

[Ann1e]

Re: Glasgow Follies

Thanks Jamie -

You're right, we were northwest - in Bearsden. Your second posting certainly brought back memories. No 1 Corporation Bus down Great Western Road into the city centre - I worked in Mitchell Street at the offices of the Glasgow Herald/Evening Times/Scottish Field. Publishing was rather different then but I enjoyed the diversity of my time there.

Regards, Ann1e

[jamie allan]

Re: Glasgow Follies

Annie,
The old Herald offices are now called the Lighthouse and its an arts facility. It's a lovely building hidden up a tight street. Unfortunately the facility has just run out of government funding. I don't know if you ever went up the tower - here's a view from the platform with 2 of my kids on a doors open day.

[Ann1e]

Re: Glasgow Follies

No, I didn't Jamie, so thanks for the view!

I didn't have much luck with towers - I worked very close to the Post Office tower in London for many years but by the time I decided to take a trip to the top they had closed it to the public for security reasons!

Regards, Ann1e

[jdal]

Re: Glasgow Follies

Thanks Jamie -

.....No 1 Corporation Bus down Great Western Road into the city centre -...
Regards, Ann1e

I used to be a conducter on that route (1970). I've still got the "Glasgow Corporation Transport Rules And Regulations" booklet, I use it as a Scottish passport.

[Ann1e]

Re: Glasgow Follies

John -

That's some coincidence! I always took the No. 1 bus to work but at other times quite often took the Alexander buses to the city by way of Maryhill Road, as we were about a mile away from Canniesburn Toll but nearer to the other stops.

It was at this time that I decided I needed my own transport and actually took my driving test at Anniesland Cross (good place for one with my name!) on a very snowy, foggy day one December. I passed, fortunately, helped I think by the fact that the traffic lights were out there for a short time and I didn't outwardly panic though was a bag of nerves when I saw what I had to deal with inwardly!

Regards, Ann1e