Category: News

General GCHT News

***SOLD OUT*** The Development of Glasgow’s Commercial Architecture (Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival)

Posted September 5th 2024

Alexander 'Greek' Thompson's Grosvener building

Friday 20 September | 7-8pm | Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, G11 6EW

Join GCHT Director Niall Murphy to find out about the development of commercial architecture of Glasgow, as part of the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2024.
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In his influential 1960 essay, “The Grid and the Urban Grain,” architecture critic Ian Nairn offers a vivid portrayal of Glasgow’s cityscape. He describes the city as ‘a kind of topographical epic with the buildings as incidents” and likens it to ‘a Beethoven symphony played over 150 years,” where the passage of time adds a unique power to the city’s physical landscape.
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In doing so Nairn brilliantly captures the qualities of Glasgow’s gridded city centre. The commercial buildings which sit within this grid, so ruthlessly imposed on to the city’s hilly landscape, make up this strong urban matrix and give the city its unique character.
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Discover the evolution of Glasgow’s gridded cityscape and the architects like Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, Sir John James Burnet, and James Miller who shaped its distinctive commercial architecture. This tradition is vital to preserving and enhancing Glasgow’s unique sense of place.

Free but booking is essential: Please note booking is managed by Doors Open Days.

Click here to go to the Doors Open Days website for booking

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Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register? Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Glasgow Historic Environment: A Snapshot – 2019

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register?

Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Read more
Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Blog Post: Ghosts and Zombies

Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Read more
Download our Kid's Heritage Trails!

Enjoy Family Fun with our Kids Trails!

Download our Kid’s Heritage Trails!

Read more

Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Each year, our events help over 2000 people to understand and appreciate Glasgow's irreplaceable built heritage. Can you help us to reach more people?

We are hugely grateful for the support of our Friends whose subscriptions help cover the costs of these events, thereby ensuring accessible pricing for everyone in Glasgow in these challenging times.

The easiest way to support the Trust’s work is to join our Friends scheme. Our tiered loyalty scheme means you can choose the level that’s right for you.

Click to find out all the benefits of membership

EXHIBITION: BRUTAL GLASGOW

Posted August 22nd 2024

Explore Glasgow’s love-hate relationship with Brutalism through this interactive, multimedia exhibition featuring the work of Glasgow based illustrator Nebo Peklo (Natalie Tweedie).

Journey from Anniesland Tower to the Gallowgate Twins gaining fascinating insights into the city’s Brutalist buildings past and present, with commentary from architects, academics and writers including Miles Glendinning, Diane Watters, Rory Olcayto, Johnny Rodger, Nick Haynes, and Owen Hatherley, as well as first-hand stories from those who lived and worked in these monumental structures.

Devised by Rachel Loughran, a curator specialising in digital design who has previously exhibited with the Alasdair Gray Archive, the exhibition brings Nebo Peklo’s works to life, offering a deeper understanding of this often maligned style of architecture. 

Brutal Glasgow tells a uniquely Glasgow story and will make you see Brutalism in a whole new light. Don’t miss out – it might just change your mind about these concrete giants.

Visit the exhibition online here

Or you can visit in person:

Wednesday to Friday weekly until 25 October 2024

(Closed Friday 27th September due to the public holiday)

Plus weekend opening 26th & 27th October

10am – 4pm 

Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow, G1 1LQ

Free entry

How to get here:

The exhibition space is located in the Merchant City, which has excellent public transport links.

By Bus: More information via First Bus: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-glasgow

By Train: We are around a 15 minute walk from Central Station, a 10 minute walk from Argyle Street Station, and 5 minute walk from High Street Station | More information via Scotrail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

By Subway: The exhibition space is located about a 15 minute walk from St Enoch Station | More information via Glasgow Subway https://www.spt.co.uk/travel-with-spt/subway/

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk Series 3

Posted June 27th 2024

In this series we’re delighted to welcome Fay Young onboard as co-host of the episodes which were recorded between March and May 2024.

The first episode was launched on 27 June with an episode released weekly until 29 August.

Tune in to get an exclusive audio tour of Central Station, find out about Glasgow’s Gaelic roots through the study of place-names, and learn about the amazing work of Glasgow photographer Bash Khan.

See below for the episodes & transcripts

SERIES 3 EPISODE 1

Glasgow Central Station main concourse

Hidden Stories of Glasgow Central Station with Jackie Ogilvie

How often do you rush through Glasgow Central Station without a second glance? Never again! Join us on a live, on-location tour with guide Jackie Ogilvie. Discover the station’s fascinating history, hidden architectural details and a behind-the-scenes look at the successful Glasgow Central Station tours. Plus, learn about Jackie’s exciting museum project in the works.

Highlights:
  • Live tour experience with guide Jackie Ogilvie
  • Unveiling the hidden history and architecture of Glasgow Central Station
  • Exploring the popular Glasgow Central Station tours
  • Exclusive scoop on Jackie’s upcoming museum project
Key Moments:
  • 00:00:01 — The stories underneath
  • 00:32:00 — Welcome to the Museum
  • 00:53:00 — WWI Memorial Art Installation
  • 01:05:00 — The Victorian Platform
  • 01:15:00 — Central Station’s evolution
Learn more:

SERIES 3 EPISODE 2

An apple tree in front of an industrial building

Glasgow's Gaelic Place-names with Dr Alasdair Whyte

In episode two, Dr Alasdair Whyte, a Gaelic singer, writer, and Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, joins Fay to explore the medieval Gaelic roots of Glasgow through its place-names.

Alasdair’s research takes us into parts of Glasgow where Gaelic was spoken a thousand years ago. In this green landscape where cattle grazed, we even catch a shadowy glimpse of the farmer’s daughter who owned Shettleston. Yes, Shettleston! When you know where and how to look, place-names are full of human history.

In this conversation Alasdair draws on the evidence in his recently published book Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names, co-authored with Katherine Forsyth and Simon Taylor. It caused quite a stir and we are about to find out why.

Highlights:
  • Uncover the Gaelic origins of Glasgow’s place-names with Dr. Alasdair Whyte.
  • Hear stories behind names, like the medieval farmer’s daughter of Shettleston.
  • Explore findings from “Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names,” co-authored by Alasdair Whyte.
  • See how Gaelic names reflect Glasgow’s landscape and features.
  • Understand the importance of preserving Gaelic place-names.
Key Moments:
  • 00:00:10 — The significance of Gaelic place names in Glasgow
  • 00:19:41 — The origins and meanings of Gaelic place names in Glasgow
  • 00:38:10 — Gaelic place names reflect the natural landscape and features of the area
  • 00:41:05 — The evolution of place names and their adaptation over time
  • 00:51:08 — Preserving Gaelic place names and promoting cultural heritage awareness

SERIES 3 EPISODE 3

Head with a bandana over the eyes singing into a mic. In red letters it says 'The Tenementals'

The Tenementals: A History of Glasgow in Song with Prof. David Archibald

Can a band tell the history of a city? And if so, what would that look and sound like? That’s what Professor David Archibald and his band, The Tenementals, are setting out to do.

In this episode David, a Professor of Film & TV at the University of Glasgow, discusses with Niall and Fay the innovative project which aims to make and tell history through music rather than traditional academic means. The conversation explores how the band, composed of academics, artists, musicians, and filmmakers, challenges conventional historical narratives.

Despite the challenging landscape of the music industry The Tenementals have resonated with audiences, particularly young people, and have so far received an enthusiastic response – they’ll be releasing their first album later this year.
Highlights:
  • ‘Liberated from books’: How The Tenementals’ history is told and made in song
  • Why one song, Peat Bog Soldiers, has already made history
  • Hear a little of The Tenementals live in Glasgow
Key Moments:
  • 00:00:00 — Can a rock band make history?
  • 00:01:15 — The Tenementals, a wild research project
  • 00:02:00 — Constructing a transmedia history of a city
  • 00:18:37 — Songwriting process
  • 00:33:01 — Hope and Revolutionary Histories

SERIES 3 EPISODE 4

A Mackintosh designed weather vain at the top of Glasgow School of Art.

Rediscovering Mackintosh: A Decade After the Glasgow School of Art Fire with Dr Robyne Calvert

This episode promises a heartfelt and insightful exploration of Glasgow’s architectural heritage and the enduring legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as Niall welcomes cultural historian Dr Robyne Calvert, a leading expert on Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
Robyne shares her journey to Glasgow in 2007, inspired by Mackintosh’s work which she first encountered two decades ago. Her deep connection to Mackintosh’s architecture, particularly the Glasgow School of Art, is a central theme as she discusses her new book, “The Mack: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School of Art,” which was released in April by Yale University Press.
Robyne recounts her experiences working at the Glasgow School of Art, including the devastation of the fires in 2014 and 2018, and reflects on her transition from being a captivated student to a dedicated scholar.
Highlights:
  • Robyne Calvert’s journey and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration project
  • The unique aspects of Mackintosh’s design
  • The significance of historical photography to the preservation process
Key Moments
  • 00:00:27 — Mackintosh’s design, not strictly mathematical and intricate reconstruction
  • 00:00:42 — Showcasing Mackintosh’s bespoke craftsmanship
  • 00:02:26 — Calvert’s PhD and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration project
  • 00:06:05 — Museum object handling to ensure historical accuracy and preservation.
  • 00:08:42 — Photography significance in restoration, capturing details otherwise lost.

SERIES 3 EPISODE 5

Empower Women for Change: Navigating Glasgow as New Scots with Layla Sadr Hashemi and Ume Chauhdry

In today’s episode, Fay introduces Layla Sadr Hashemi and Ume Chauhdry, who share their experiences with the project Thistles and Dandelions, designed to connect ethnic minority women with Glasgow’s cultural heritage. This initiative by Empower Women for Change has been transformative, fostering a sense of belonging among participants.

Layla, originally from Iran, and Ume, from Pakistan, discuss their initial struggles with isolation, language barriers, and cultural differences upon arriving in Glasgow. Discovering EWfC provided them a supportive community and opportunities for personal and professional growth through workshops and training.

Thistles and Dandelions, one of EWfC’s significant projects, ran throughout 2023, engaging women with Glasgow’s heritage beyond just observation. Layla and Ume also describe their involvement with the David Livingstone Birthplace, learning skills in curating, conservation, and exhibition planning, which enhanced their confidence and sense of community.

Highlights:
  • Symbolism of the thistle and its representation of Scottish history and resilience.
  • Layla and Ume discuss the specific challenges that immigrants face when adapting to life in Glasgow.
  • Emphasis on the importance of community support in helping new Scots feel welcomed and empowered.
Key Moments: 
  • 00:00:00 – 00:01:00 — Introduction to the Thistles and Dandelions Project: Discussion on the project’s symbolism and objectives.
  • 00:05:15 – 00:06:30 — Challenges Faced by New Scots: Layla and Ume discuss language barriers and cultural integration.
  • 00:12:45 – 00:14:00 — Empowerment Through Community Support
  • 00:20:30 – 00:22:00 — Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity: Layla and Ume share personal stories of resilience.
  • 00:28:15 – 00:30:00 — Future Vision for the Project: Plans for expanding the project’s reach and impact
Learn more:
  • You can find out more about Empower Women for Change on their website
  • Learn about the Thistles & Dandelion project on their project blog 
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 6

Black and white images of younger and older women together.

Women In Architecture with Jude Barber & Nicola McLachlen from Voices of Experience

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk, what would they say about the female architects that have worked in the industry in the city? This is something that Jude Barber, Nicola McLachlan and Suzanne Ewing have been focussing on since establishing Voices of Experience.
After noticing how male dominated the industry is they worked to start pairing younger female architects with older female architects, many of whom had retired, to record their conversations about their work and experience in the industry.
In this episode, hosted by Fay, and recorded on International Women’s Day, Jude and Nicola tell us more about their inspiration for establishing the group, their plans for its future, and their experiences in the industry.
Highlights:
  • Introduction to Women in Architecture
  • Early career challenges and milestones for women architects
  • Mentorship and building support networks
  • Future vision to enhance gender diversity
Key moments
  • 00:00 – 02:00 — Discussion on the representation and contributions of women in architecture.
  • 05:00 – 07:00 — Insights into the early career challenges and milestones for women architects.
  • 12:00 – 14:00 — Importance of mentorship and building support networks within the industry.
  • 18:00 – 20:00 — Personal stories of overcoming gender biases and industry obstacles.
  • 25:00 – 27:00 — Discussion on future initiatives to enhance gender diversity and inclusion in architecture.

Learn more:
  • Find out more about the Voices of Experience conversations on their website 
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 7

A Place for Stories with Bash Khan

Filmmaker and visual artist, Bash Khan has been working across Glasgow for over 15 years. Growing up in the city he developed a love for the buildings surrounding him, but more importantly he developed a love for the people and communities that used these spaces.
In this episode, Bash talks to Niall and Fay about how he came to be interested in photography and his work across Glasgow. A passionate advocate for public gathering spaces, Bash highlights the importance of accessible, communal areas for storytelling and connection. The conversation also touches on the visual and emotional impact of his large-scale projections on communities.
This episode offers a profound look at how art, community, and public space intersect to create powerful narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.
Highlights:
  • 02:06 — 02:09 Highlights the intrinsic value of individuals in the community.
  • 02:24 — 02:28 Reflects on the value within communities.
  • 11:03 — 14:02: The importance of recognising diverse contributions within the community.
  • 23:63 — 25:55 Bash Khan talks about the role of planners in community projects.
  • 35:55 — 39:52 This segment focuses on valuing individuals within the community.
Key moments
  • Discussion on valuing people’s roles and acknowledging their efforts.
  • Highlights the need for effective planning and involvement from the community to ensure success.
  • Underscores the necessity of appreciating people’s contributions and efforts.
  • Addresses the need to recognise and cherish each person’s unique contributions.
  • Emphasises the collective strength and importance of community members working together.

Learn more:

SERIES 3 EPISODE 8

The Wash House Garden

Restoring the Relationship with the Land with Luna Amanita from The Wash House Garden

In this episode, Fay meets Luna Amanita, co-director of the Wash House Garden – a groundbreaking community enterprise rejuvenating the land behind the historic Parkhead Wash House.
The garden, once a local focal point, continues to prioritise community, seamlessly weaving together the well-being of both people and the environment, cultivating enduring connections through community-based food growing.
Luna discusses the importance of community engagement in deepening the connection with the land. She also talks to Fay about beekeeping and its educational value for the Wash House Garden team and their volunteers.
Join us as we explore their mission to make the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of gardening accessible to all.
Highlights:
  1. Introduction to the Wash House Garden
    • Timestamp: 00:00:00 
    • Luna Amanita describes the Wash House Garden in Parkhead, East Glasgow, noting its diverse volunteer base and the various capacities in which people engage with the space.
  2. Historical Significance and Current Use of the Land
    • Timestamp: 00:02:00
    • Luna explains the historical background of the land, believed to be the drying ground for the old Parkhead wash house and possibly used for food growing during the war. She discusses the transformation of the space into a market garden.
  3. Gardening Practices and Soil Health
    • Timestamp: 00:04:00 
    • Luna details their ecological gardening practices, emphasising soil health through composting and organic material. She mentions the challenges and labour involved in maintaining the garden.
  4. Beekeeping and Education Initiatives
    • Timestamp: 00:13:00 
    • Luna talks about their beekeeping program, including hive inspections and the educational courses they offer. She shares her personal experience and the responsibilities of managing the bees with her team.
  5.  Community Engagement and Volunteer Involvement
    • Timestamp: 00:20:10 
    • Luna discusses the variability in volunteer numbers and the importance of community engagement. She highlights efforts to make the garden more accessible and responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.

Learn more:
  • Connect with The Wash House Garden via their website and follow them on Instagram @TheWashHouseGarden
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #Is Glasgow Walls Could Talk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 9

Nebo Peklo's illustration of the Met Tower

Brutal Glasgow with Rachel Loughran & Natalie Tweedie

This week we explore Glasgow’s love-hate relationship with brutalism and discuss our upcoming Brutal Glasgow exhibition with digital curator Rachel Loughran and Glasgow based illustrator Nebo Peklo (Natalie Tweedie), who’s work will be displayed in the interactive, multimedia exhibition.

The idea for the exhibition arose from Rachel’s admiration of Natalie’s drawings on Twitter, and united by their shared interest in brutalism they have come together to create Brutal Glasgow. They also discuss the significance of brutalism in Glasgow, touching on its artistic, social, and political aspects, and the debate over whether to demolish or restore such buildings

Rachel and Natalie emphasise the personal and emotional connections people have with these buildings, how they change over time, and their potential for renewal and hope.
Highlights:
  1. 00:00:00 – 00:00:03 Rachel Loughran starts by discussing the public’s “knee jerk reaction” to Brutalist buildings, setting the tone for the episode.
  2. 00:19:42 – 00:19:43 Natalie Tweedie acknowledges the complexity of evaluating Brutalist architecture, saying, “That’s such a huge question,” indicating the depth of the discussion.
  3. 00:40:12- 00:40:15 The conversation touches on the need to “have a proper look” at Brutalism and the factors surrounding it, suggesting a deeper exploration of the topic.
  4. 01:00:07 – 01:00:09 There’s a personal reflection on exploring Glasgow, particularly the East End, highlighting how Brutalist architecture influences perceptions of different city areas.
  5. 01:19:21 – 01:19:24 The episode concludes with a mention of Glasgow Heritage, encapsulating the importance of the city’s architectural legacy and the podcast’s role in preserving these discussions.
Key Moments
  • Complexities of Brutalism – polarising views.
  • The historical and cultural significance and value in preserving these buildings.
  • How the architectural style of Brutalism connects to a broader understanding of Glasgow city’s character and history.
  • Focus on Glasgow Heritage, emphasising the significance of the city’s architectural legacy

Learn more:
  • Check out Natalie’s work on her website
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 10

The Coca Cola Rollercoaster at the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival

After the Garden Festival with Lex Lamb, Kenny Brophy & Gordon Barr

The 1988 Garden Festival changed how the world saw Glasgow, and how it saw itself. It lives on only in people’s memories as the buildings, objects and artworks from this temporary event are gone forever – or are they?

Urban Prehistorian Kenny Brophy, Project Leader Lex Lamb, and Holder of the Official Garden Festival Umbrella Gordon Barr for a conversation with Niall & Fay in front of a live audience, to learn how they have used crowdsourcing to build an ever-growing digital record of the hundreds of pavilions, sculptures and attractions that made up the Garden Festival, as well as the experiences of those who made it happen.

Items with Garden Festival stories to tell were discovered across the UK and further afield, from the large (the Coca-cola Roller Coaster, now in Suffolk) to the small (a Garden Festival tea-towel, now in Papua New Guinea). But in addition to relic artefacts and traces in the landscape, the team identified something else: the absence of a proper record of this pivotal event, while memories fade and documents are lost.

Hear how the 1988 Festival was put together, taken apart and spread around the world, and how with the help of hundreds of individual submissions and leads After the Garden Festival are striving to preserve the legacy of a summer where Glasgow shone.
Highlights:
  1. Reflecting on the Legacy of the Garden Festival (00:00 – 02:30): The discussion opens with reflections on how the Glasgow Garden Festival has shaped the city’s landscape and cultural memory.
  2. The Impact of Urban Regeneration Projects (07:45 – 09:30): Insights into the broader impact of urban regeneration efforts in Glasgow, particularly those initiated in the wake of the Garden Festival.
  3. Personal Stories and Memories of the Festival (15:30 – 17:00): The guests share their personal experiences and memories of attending the festival, highlighting its significance on a personal level.
  4. Challenges in Preserving Historical Sites (23:00 – 25:00): The conversation turns to the challenges faced in preserving the historical sites associated with the Garden Festival and other urban regeneration projects.
  5. Looking Forward: Future Projects and Their Potential Impact (30:45 – 32:00): The episode concludes with a discussion about future urban projects in Glasgow and their potential impact on the city’s cultural and physical landscape.

Learn more:
  • Check out After the Garden Festival’s website here to learn more the project
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

 

Read Series 3 Episode10 transcript

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk is produced by Inner Ear and kindly supported by Tunnock’s.

You might also be interested in...

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register? Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Glasgow Historic Environment: A Snapshot – 2019

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register?

Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Read more
Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Blog Post: Ghosts and Zombies

Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Read more
Download our Kid's Heritage Trails!

Enjoy Family Fun with our Kids Trails!

Download our Kid’s Heritage Trails!

Read more

Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Each year, our events help over 2000 people to understand and appreciate Glasgow's irreplaceable built heritage. Can you help us to reach more people?

We are hugely grateful for the support of our Friends whose subscriptions help cover the costs of these events, thereby ensuring accessible pricing for everyone in Glasgow in these challenging times.

The easiest way to support the Trust’s work is to join our Friends scheme. Our tiered loyalty scheme means you can choose the level that’s right for you.

Click to find out all the benefits of membership

Interview Spotlight: Dougal Perman, Director and Co-founder of Inner Ear

Posted June 20th 2024

Get ready to peek behind the scenes of the podcast sensation, If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk! Launched in 2021, this podcast has captivated nearly 18,000 listeners across its first two series, and we’re beyond thrilled to announce that Series 3 is just around the corner!

In our exclusive interview with Dougal Perman, Director and co-founder of Inner Ear, producers of If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk, we uncover the passion and dedication that fuels each episode. Did you know that while hundreds of thousands of podcasts are out there, many struggle to find an audience? Astonishingly, 90% of podcasts don’t get past three episodes, and a jaw-dropping 99% don’t make it to 21 episodes. But If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk is breaking the mould, having already delivered 21 thrilling episodes we’re now gearing up for another series of 10!

Mark your calendars: Series 3 launches on June 27th, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

Tune in on our website or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss out on the great stories that bring Glasgow’s vibrant history to life!

Can you tell us a bit about Inner Ear and your involvement with the podcast?

We’ve been creating podcast radio programmes since we launched our underground music internet radio station, Radio Magnetic in 2001. Over the past 23 years we have explored many subjects and told fascinating stories through podcasts. People, places and provenance are of great interest and importance to us so when GCHT approached us we couldn’t resist getting involved.

Inner Ear is the production company that makes the podcast work. We work closely with GCHT and help with the logistical planning, research and briefing of the interviewees and presenters. We take care of the recording, which is a mixture of remote and live in person recordings, with the latter done on location around Glasgow. We then edit the recordings and create the episodes for the podcast series.

My favourite projects are those where we work collaboratively with our client to deliver the project. That is very true of GCHT. All of the team there are passionate about the subject matter, open to trying new ideas and great fun to work with.

How do you think the podcast evolved from its first series to the third? 

When Silvia at GCHT approached me in 2020, she had a clear vision about how to bring the concept to life. Anny and I helped develop the idea and worked out the best way to capture the interviews online, including sourcing affordable equipment and assessing the best platform to use for remote recording. We worked closely with Silvia, Taylor and Niall and created ten episodes that we’re all very proud of. The first series was bursting with ideas and landed very well with the audience. 

At the end of series two we decide to bring in another presenter to share hosting duties with Niall and add another dimension to the conversation. As a journalist and editor with extensive experience, everyone thought Fay, who took care of background research and scripting in series 2, was a natural choice. She is also my Mum, so of course I thought she’d be great for the role, but I tried not to influence the decision. She was a bit shy at first, but we all encouraged her and I hope you’ll agree that she and Niall have a great dynamic together.

Niall, Fay and Dougal from Inner Ear, during the live recording at Central Station.

What has been the most challenging part of producing this series?  

The remote recordings are probably the most tricky. It’s great when everything works well and the platform we use is very good. But when everyone involved is remote there are many variables to contend with including equipment, computers, and internet connections. 

Those challenges are nothing new to us though and we roll with them as best we can. When it comes to live streaming and remote recording, problems arise all the time. As long as you keep calm, keep everyone informed and are methodical about your problem-solving, there’s always a way through.

If you could pick a favourite episode which one would it be and why?

With 30 to choose from over the three seasons so far it’s difficult to pick one. But if I have to, I loved the last episode of series two when Norry Wilson interviewed Niall about his favourite places and the conversations he’d had. It was lively, personal, thought provoking and made me think about Glasgow’s history in a new way, much like the podcast as a whole, I think. Listen here!

Niall Murphy and Norrie Wilson talking
Lost Glasgow's Norry Wilson interviewing Niall for the final episode of Series 2

Why do you think If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk is so popular? 

Taking another look at buildings and public spaces and thinking about them in a different way is fascinating. The personal perspectives shared with us in the conversations we hear in this podcast prompt us to do that. I think that really resonates with people. 

Finally, can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect in the upcoming series? 

I loved listening to (and producing) the live recording of After The Garden Festival. Having been to the Festival when I was 11 years old, making the journey from my home town of Edinburgh, I still have fond memories of a big day out. Reflecting on the impact of the Garden Festival on Glasgow and how transformative it was for the city was really moving.

A group of people at a live podcast recording. There is a Garden Festival flag on display.
Live recording with After the Garden Festival in the South Rotunda

Catch up on the previous two series of the podcast here before the third one launches next week!

Training Grants Available!

Posted May 31st 2024

an image of the back of someone on scaffolding and wearing ppe
an image of a woman making a stained glass decoration
Photo of someone chiseling a piece of stone, wearing orange and yellow gloves, with traditional stone caring tools in the background.

Applications are now open for GCHT’s training grants!

These grants are designed to help fund traditional skills training and professional development opportunities, as well as student research into Glasgow’s built heritage.

Through these grants, GCHT hopes to help cultivate a skilled workforce, foster innovation in heritage projects, and contribute to the sustainable stewardship of our built environment for future generations.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to anyone working or studying within Scotland’s built environment.

Grants are available for any amounts between £100 to £750, and can be used to help fund things such as:

Traditional skills training
Educational courses
Workshops
Seminars
Research projects
Internships
Apprenticeships

Applications will be judged on their long-term impact, relevance to the historic environment and feasibility.

Other requirements 

Applicants must be over 18, however, teachers and youth leaders are welcome to apply for funding for projects that involve young people.

Successful applicants will need to submit a short report that explains how the grant funding was spent, learning outcomes and how it contributed to the wider historic environment sector.

How to apply

To apply please fill in this short form, briefly explaining what you hope to use the training grant for and how it relates to the historic built environment.

Please send completed application forms to info@glasgowheritage.org.uk 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the end of the 2024-25 financial year. Applicants will be contacted within 21 days of applying.

Explore the City Chambers with our new digital tour!

Posted October 24th 2023

The City Chambers is one of the most prestigious buildings in Glasgow. It’s a place where famous visitors are welcomed, and where big events such as civic receptions and award ceremonies are held. However, many Glaswegians have never been inside, or are unaware that free public tours take place every day. Our new online learning resource, ‘Our City Chambers’, aimed mainly at primary school aged children, enables them to explore the building in a way that is accessible, engaging and fun, even if they aren’t able to visit in person. Explore the resource here

It features animations of key rooms within the building, including the Banqueting Hall and Council Chambers. It also shows areas that are not always accessible to the public, such as the Councillors’ Corridor, the Lord Provost’s Office and the Portrait Gallery. It covers the architecture, design and social history of the Chambers, identifying the materials and the traditional skills and techniques employed in its construction and decoration. It also demonstrates how the building is still a functioning workplace for the council, and the role it plays in providing key public services to the people of Glasgow.

We worked closely with the design team at SUUM studio to create this resource. We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to them and to the staff at the City Chambers for their support and insights during the project. Children at St Mungo’s Primary School participated in a series of workshops in the development stages of the project, including a visit to the Chambers. Their perspectives on the building and the city of Glasgow were inspiring and joyful, and were instrumental in shaping the final resource.

A free printed resource to accompany the website has also been produced. It is available to pick up from the City Chambers and from GCHT’s office at 54 Bell Street in the Merchant City. A downloadable PDF will also be added here in due course.

We’d love to see some pictures of you visiting the Chambers – you can show them to us on our Twitter, Instagram or Facebook pages – use the hashtag #ourcitychambers

**Sold Out** CPD: Showcasing Stone Carving

Posted September 28th 2023

An ornately carved stone cross that sits on the top of Miller Hall, a Category A listed church in Dennistoun.

Monday 9th October | 10am – 12 noon | On site at Conservation Masonry, 942-944 South Street, Whiteinch, Glasgow, G14 0AR

This event provides an opportunity to see the craft of stone carving in action, as you’ll see the carving of a new Arts & Crafts influenced stone cross for the apex of the roof at Miller Hall.  A Category A-listed historic church in Dennistoun, designed by celebrated architect James Miller, the building was previously known as St Andrew’s East Church and was converted into flats in the early 2000s.

The historic cross is beginning to disintegrate and can’t be left in place due to the risk of pieces of stone falling. It is too important a feature to take away, so the decision was taken to create a replica cut from a new piece of stone.

We will explain the background to the current conservation project, supported by Glasgow City Heritage Trust, and will see the historic stone cross which has been carefully removed from the church. Attendees will learn the various stages of carving involved, from processing a sandstone block, setting out, initial shaping and hand chiselling the stone down to the finished article, including cutting all the exquisite relief detail.

PPE can be provided if necessary, however it would be helpful if attendees could bring their own hard hats, safety eyewear and hi-viz vests/jackets if they can.

All GCHT CPD sessions are recognised by the IHBC, and attendees can obtain a CPD certificate upon completion.

Spaces are limited to 8 people, booking essential.

£10 per person / £5 for students

 

All sessions are recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) as being capable of contributing to the obligatory CPD requirements of Full Members (see www.ihbc.org.uk)

You might also be interested in…

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register? Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Glasgow Historic Environment: A Snapshot – 2019

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register?

Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

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Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Glasgow City Heritage Trust is an independent charity and your support is crucial to ensure that our charitable work promoting the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Glasgow’s historic buildings for the benefit of the city’s communities and its visitors continues now, and in the future.

The easiest way to support the Trust’s work is to join our loyalty scheme. Our tiered loyalty scheme means you can choose the level that’s right for you.

Click to find out all the benefits of membership

The Knight Map: An Artist’s Process (Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival)

Posted August 9th 2023

Watercolour pallets sitting on top of a line drawing of Glasgow city centre

Thursday 14th September | 7:30 – 8:30pm | The ARC, University of Glasgow, G11 6EW

Join artist Will Knight to hear about the process for creating this incredible new map of Glasgow, as part of the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2023.

Find out about the inspiration for the project as well as the techniques Will used in order to create the final work – tracing and updating Thomas Sulman’s 1864 Bird’s Eye View of Glasgow. Each working drawing is a step towards the final artwork, but the construction of each layer was thought out and planned with a rigorous process for creating each one.

Will studied Architecture at the Glasgow School of Art, and this training has informed his approach to understanding the dynamic relationship between people and place. He has spent the last ten years observing, recording and interpreting Glasgow’s built environment – from the celebrated work of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson to the ubiquitous tiled tenement close; from some of the city’s cherished eateries to the scratch bakery and local newsagent.  Every subject is explored through measurement and drawn by hand, elevating everyday buildings so that they are revealed afresh.

 

Free but booking is essential: Please note booking is managed by Doors Open Days and will be available from 1st September, details to follow. 

Click here to go to the Doors Open Days website

You might also be interested in…

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register? Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Glasgow Historic Environment: A Snapshot – 2019

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register?

Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Read more
Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Blog Post: Ghosts and Zombies

Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Read more
Download our Kid's Heritage Trails!

Enjoy Family Fun with our Kids Trails!

Download our Kid’s Heritage Trails!

Read more

Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Each year, our events help over 2000 people to understand and appreciate Glasgow's irreplaceable built heritage. Can you help us to reach more people?

We are hugely grateful for the support of our Friends whose subscriptions help cover the costs of these events, thereby ensuring accessible pricing for everyone in Glasgow in these challenging times.

The easiest way to support the Trust’s work is to join our Friends scheme. Our tiered loyalty scheme means you can choose the level that’s right for you.

Click to find out all the benefits of membership

The Glasgow City Improvement Trust and the Transformation of the Victorian City (Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival)

Posted August 9th 2023

Thursday 14th September | 6 – 7pm | Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, G11 6EW

Join GCHT Director Niall Murphy to find out about the achievements of the Glasgow City Improvement Trust, as part of the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2023.
.
Over the course of the 19th Century, Glasgow suffered explosive city growth, with its population increasing from 77,000 in 1801 to 762,000 by 1901. This created problems of overcrowding, poor sanitation and population health issues, with the city’s housing conditions regarded as amongst the worst in Europe.
.
To combat this, in 1866 Lord Provost Blackie led a delegation including Glasgow’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr William Tennant Gairdner, and the City Architect, John Carrick to Europe to see what lessons could be learned. Having visited Amsterdam and Brussels it was Baron Haussmann’s Paris where they were most impressed by the urban innovations being introduced for Napoleon III.
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Upon his return to Glasgow, Carrick drew up the City Improvement Act of 1866 with a programme of slum clearance to clear out and introduce light and air to the medieval heart of the city, making Glasgow a pioneer for municipal improvements.

Free but booking is essential: Please note booking is managed by Doors Open Days and will be available from 1st September, details to follow.  

Click here to go to the Doors Open Days website

You might also be interested in…

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register? Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Glasgow Historic Environment: A Snapshot – 2019

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register?

Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Read more
Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Blog Post: Ghosts and Zombies

Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Read more
Download our Kid's Heritage Trails!

Enjoy Family Fun with our Kids Trails!

Download our Kid’s Heritage Trails!

Read more

Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Each year, our events help over 2000 people to understand and appreciate Glasgow's irreplaceable built heritage. Can you help us to reach more people?

We are hugely grateful for the support of our Friends whose subscriptions help cover the costs of these events, thereby ensuring accessible pricing for everyone in Glasgow in these challenging times.

The easiest way to support the Trust’s work is to join our Friends scheme. Our tiered loyalty scheme means you can choose the level that’s right for you.

Click to find out all the benefits of membership

“Many a chill and lonely vigil”: George McCulloch’s View of Glasgow in 1853 (Online Talk)

Posted June 2nd 2023

A black and white line drawing of Glasgow. McCulloch's 'View'

Wednesday 28th June | 7pm – 8pm | Online, via Zoom

Eleven years before Thomas Sulman’s famous bird’s-eye view of Glasgow appeared in the Illustrated London News, a young local artist named George McCulloch produced his own. It gives a vivid glimpse of the industrial city that had sprung up over the past two generations, smeared with smoke and crowded with activity. David Pritchard will describe what he’s been able to find out about the creation of McCulloch’s View, take you on a tour of some of his favourite details and the human stories they hint at, and think a little about the View in relation to other images of Glasgow, from Thomas Sulman to Will Knight.

*

David Pritchard is an adoptive Glaswegian, an occasional mathematician, an enthusiastic but uninformed wanderer of the city’s interesting corners, and a map nerd who spends far too much time in the nineteenth century.

Free, booking essential, donations welcome. 

Please note: Payment is taken via PayPal but you do not need to have a PayPal account to pay online. 

You might also be interested in…

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register? Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Glasgow Historic Environment: A Snapshot – 2019

Ever wondered which buildings in your neighbourhood are listed, or even on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register?

Our new interactive map shows data collated between February and April 2018 which gives a snapshot of the current state of Glasgow’s historic built environment.

Read more
Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Blog Post: Ghosts and Zombies

Read our latest blog post about our Ghost Signs of Glasgow project, pondering the nature of ghost signs and what they tell us about the urban landscape.

Read more
Download our Kid's Heritage Trails!

Enjoy Family Fun with our Kids Trails!

Download our Kid’s Heritage Trails!

Read more

Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Each year, our events help over 2000 people to understand and appreciate Glasgow's irreplaceable built heritage. Can you help us to reach more people?

We are hugely grateful for the support of our Friends whose subscriptions help cover the costs of these events, thereby ensuring accessible pricing for everyone in Glasgow in these challenging times.

The easiest way to support the Trust’s work is to join our Friends scheme. Our tiered loyalty scheme means you can choose the level that’s right for you.

Click to find out all the benefits of membership