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.
It's good to have photographic proof that deep fried Mars bars exist as not everyone believes in them. They may look disgusting, but as you say, they are disgustingly delicious!
Posted by: petajane | January 20, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Oh Glasgow School of Art is lovely, I visited many years ago - well stood outside and admired the work of CRM, wish I'd known about the tours. Did you get chance to visit his house out of town? Went there too and it was closed. Maybe I need to pay another visit!
Posted by: That's Not My Age | January 20, 2010 at 05:36 PM
Love that you had a deep fried mars bar! I only tasted one about a year ago when American friends were leaving to go back to the states and it was one of the 'scottish' things they hadn't done!
Love Che Camille and Glasgow Vintage Co... they make me want to spend all my money ;)
Posted by: Zoe, Conversation Pieces | January 20, 2010 at 06:29 PM
Photographic evidence is impressive!! My dad went to Glasgow School of Art, what a great place - I wondered why all our rooms were branded now I know!
Posted by: Make Do Style | January 20, 2010 at 06:48 PM
The School of Art is amazing, we also did the tour last year and it was so worth it! Could've spent hours in the shop, too - well, probably really did spend hours in there! Did you visit the Tenement House museum while in Glasgow, it was also really interesting. And we went to an awesome restaurant in the university precinct called the Ubiquitous Chip! Sounds deep-fried, I know, but actually quite classy :-) Hope I'm not spoiling Part 3?!
Posted by: Peaches and Cream | January 20, 2010 at 07:46 PM
deep fried mars bars, I thought they were a myth, my kids are salivating. can't wait for part 3
Posted by: teresa | January 20, 2010 at 08:41 PM
Wow this looks amazing. Yet more reasons to get my act together and visit Scotland!
Posted by: Clare | January 20, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Wow. You saw a much better Glasgow than I saw in 2008. Disadvantages of going with my parents, I guess.
I need to try a deep fat mars bar!
Posted by: JayneClaire | January 21, 2010 at 12:08 AM
Sounds excellent - Nelfin looks brilliant and i love those feather headpieces too. I once tried a deep-fried Mars bar and actually found it surprisingly good (although incredibly filling!). I was at uni in Scotland and most of the fish and chip shops would deep fry anything you brought in, for 50p!
Posted by: jane | January 21, 2010 at 08:28 AM
That's Not My Age - no, I really wanted to see his house, but ran out of time!
Peaches and Cream - yes, I visited the Tenement House museum on my last trip to Glasgow. It's incredible, isn't it? Will never forget that beautiful white room. xx
Posted by: Top Bird @ Wee Birdy | January 21, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Oh Birdy this made my heart sing! I love Glasgow, my brother studied architecture there and I would visit often, we had such a good time!
Thanks for the brilliant update!
Sarah x
Posted by: sarah - jane down the lane | January 21, 2010 at 09:54 AM
Hello!
One of my closest friends is Glaswegian but she never told me about these lovely corners of the city. I'm going to have to drag HEr around the city one day, I think!
Posted by: Helena | January 21, 2010 at 10:04 AM
hey!
If you want to see more Charles Rennie Mackintosh buildings in Glasgow why not visit the Scotland Street School (located at the Shields Road underground station).It serves as a museum of school life in Glasgow. (free entry.) Also you can visit Queens Cross Church which houses the CRM Society. It is in Maryhill easily reached by exiting the St. Georges Cross underground station and either walk up Maryhill Road about a half mile (or catch any bus going up that street if you have a bus pass.) I don't know why, but these two places are never crowded.
Posted by: bill merello | February 08, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Bill,
Awesome trip. I would like to recommend a song that will always bring memories about your Glasgow trip - I Belong to Glasgow by Will Fyffe: http://www.songplaces.com/I_Belong_to_Glasgow/Glasgow_Scotland
Posted by: Vlad | February 18, 2010 at 10:23 AM