The grandeur of GLASGOW
There is always a reason to visit Scotland’s largest city – here are just a few...
01 CONCEPT GALLERY
Concept Gallery in Bearsden represents many of Scotland’s leading contemporary artists, with work beautifully presented in the friendly and inviting spaces of Schaw Lodge. The gallery has an impressive reputation for West Coast seascapes and landscapes, as well as a rich variety of styles in still life, figurative and abstract works. The gallery holds a rolling programme of featured artists throughout the year, including work by celebrated artists Helen Turner, Alexandra Gardner, James Watt and James Orr. Tel: 0141 942 8877, www.conceptgallery.co.uk
02 THE ROGER BILLCLIFFE GALLERY
The Roger Billcliffe Gallery at 134 Blythswood Street operates from premises that have shown the best of Scottish art for almost 100 years. From the 1920s until 1979 it housed the famous Muirhead Moffat antique shop, before The Fine Art Society transformed it into Glasgow’s leading gallery for Scottish art. Since 1992, Roger Billcliffe, formerly director of the society’s Scottish galleries, has presented the best of Scottish contemporary painting in its handsome rooms, complemented by exciting displays of contemporary jewellery and applied arts. Tel: 0141 332 4027, www.billcliffegallery.com
03 LYON & TURNBULL
Lyon & Turnbull, Scotland’s oldest fine art auctioneers, host more than 30 specialist auctions per year, offering the best in Scottish art and design. Glasgow’s finest artists and designers are a regular feature, none more so than the city’s favourite son, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This pair of chairs, designed for Miss Cranston’s Willow Tearooms in 1903, were successfully sold last year for £109,250. Head along to Lyon & Turnbull’s Glasgow Gallery at 182 Bath Street for one of the weekly valuation days. Tel: 0141 333 1992, www.lyonandturnbull.com
04 GLASGOW MUSEUMS
The City of Glasgow owns one of the finest civic collections in Europe. Visit Glasgow Museums to see fine art, historic objects and natural history brought together and exhibited in some of Glasgow’s
most beautiful public buildings. Explore Dutch Old Masters, French Impressionists, the Glasgow Boys, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, contemporary art, transport and technology, Scottish history and archaeology, arms and armour, world cultures and so much more. With nine free-entry venues across Glasgow, there is something for everyone! Tel: 0141 276 9300, www.glasgowmuseums.com
05 THISTLE GALLERY
‘Summer Breeze’ is the apt title of Thistle Gallery’s current exhibition, which runs throughout July and August. Situated in Glasgow’s leafy West End, the gallery opened its doors eight months ago and is already renowned for the eclectic array of Scottish contemporary art it features within its striking and spacious premises. Paintings, ceramics, sculptures, jewellery and textiles can all be found at this gallery, which is always approachable but never predictable! Pictured is the grand ‘Laird of the Glen’ by Stanley Bird. Tel: 0141 334 3444, www.thistlegallery.com
06 UBIQUITOUS CHIP
Staying true to its original ethos, ‘The Chip’ has been championing Scottish produce for 43 years – using what’s best on the day, from the most glorious environs Scotland has to offer. This unique eatery has never rested on its laurels; the enthusiasm of the staff is infectious. This delightful, organically-evolving space of bars, brasserie and magnificent courtyard restaurant is a must when visiting Glasgow. Tel: 0141 334 5007, www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk
07 THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK
The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) teaches its signature Certificate and Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery course in the splendid surroundings of the Glasgow Art Club. Here, tutor Helen McCook shares her passion and enthusiasm for embroidery and teaches traditional techniques such as Jacobean Crewelwork, Goldwork, Blackwork and Silk Shading. Each technique has eight days’ tuition, and no previous experience is needed to join the Certificate course. The RSN also offers Day Classes for beginners to advanced levels, where students can learn and develop their skills in small, friendly groups in the Grand Central Hotel. Tel: 020 3166 6938, www.royal-needlework.org.uk
08 THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND
The National Theatre of Scotland was established in 2006 and has created more than 200 productions. Although its headquarters are in Glasgow, the company is a theatre without walls and presents a wide variety of work across the country, ranging from large-scale productions to projects tailored to the smallest performing spaces. In addition to conventional theatres, The National Theatre of Scotland has performed in airports, schools, tower blocks, community halls, ferries and forests. Tel: 0141 221 0970, www.nationaltheatrescotland.com