A wee trip to Glasgow, Part 2
Glasgow School of Art
Considered to be one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s greatest masterpieces, Glasgow School of Art is a living, breathing, working campus, but it’s the building itself, and the painstaking attention to detail, that is most impressive. It's seriously glorious, and I had to stop myself from squealing in delight at every nook and cranny.
Showcasing Mackintosh’s progressive approach to architecture where Arts and Crafts meets Art Nouveau via traditional Japanese design, there are loads of hand-made details to admire. I really loved the organic motifs of birds, flowers and insects, which are repeated throughout the building.
The school isn’t generally open to the public, but I thoroughly recommend that you pre-book one of the daily guided tours. Make sure you pay a visit to the excellent School of Art Shop, where you can buy all manner of lovely Mackintosh-themed paraphernalia, as well as the latest collections from the School’s graduates.
Glasgow School of Art
167 Renfrew Street
Glasgow G3 6RQ
Tel. 0141 353 4526
Nearest underground: Cowcaddens
Images courtesy of Glasgow School of Art
Che Camille
Sprawled across the sixth floor of the historic Argyll Arcade is Glasgow’s most progressive retail destination for young and emerging fashion designers, with an emphasis on local talent.
Here you’ll find some really lovely limited edition Harris Tweed bags (the satchels are superb) from £160, as well as Harris Tweed and velvet shift dresses by Scottish designer Nelfin.
Paul Cassidy’s Tunnocks Glasgow Tenement tees make a perfect souvenir for £20.
Also keep an eye out for luxe feather headpieces by local milliner William Chambers, and Dana Finnigan’s vivid digital print designs.
Che Camille Showroom and Studio
Floor 6, Argyll Chambers, 34 Buchanan Street
Glasgow G2 8BD
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
The Glasgow Vintage Co
A new addition to Glasgow’s vintage scene, this spacious two-level boutique stocks a wide selection of clothes for men, women and children.
I found some real bargains, and the hat section downstairs is not to be missed.
The Glasgow Vintage Co
453 Great Western Road
Glasgow G12 8HH
Tel. 0141 338 6633
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday 11am-5.30pm
Friday to Saturday 11am-6pm
Sunday noon-5pm
Deep Fried Mars Bar from University Cafe
Oh yes, I went there. And it was disgustingly delicious, too. The University Cafe is also home to traditional Fish Suppers and all manner of deep-fried food (they can do deep-fried Cadbury Creme Eggs on request).
University Cafe
87 Byres Road
Glasgow G11 5HN
Tel. 0141 339 5217
Part 3 coming tomorrow.
Click here for a Wee trip to Glasgow, Part 1.
Click here for a Wee trip to Glasgow, Part 3.
