Monday, June 30, 2003

GLASGOW

Had a mixed weekend in Glasgow. We got soaked to the skin on Friday. It was quite the normal "dreak", more monsoon. Friday afternoon we went up to the Hunterian Gallery, home of a superb collection of James Whistler paintings and a mock up of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Glasgow home. The Whistler gallery is host to "Whistler's Mother" for the centenary exhibition. Mackintosh is a big sell in Glasgow. Even Mrs Cranston's Tea Rooms have been restored, though thankfully the scones are new and not restorations.

More tea, Vicar?

You might remember the advertising cmapaign back in the late 70s: "Glasgow's Miles Better", a play on words featuring Mr Happy. Well, it's also a bit ironic given Glagow's hard reputation and grimy industrial past and post-industrial difficulties. But, I like the city. It has enormous character and the centre retains a charm and feeling all its own. The city boasts three universities including Glasgow University in the West End.

Glasgow University

Glasgow and its inhabitants have suffered in recent history as its traditional industry - shipbuilding has moved to cheaper yards in the Far East. Meanwhile, the cityscape has not helped by awful 1960s town planning, the M8 motorway and the massive slum clearance programmes which replaced tenements with ghastly tower blocks.

a tower block

Glasgow also suffers with sectarianism. Late June/early July is marching season for the Orange Lodges. I am talking about rabid anti-Catholic nutters.

bonkers

I quite like this picture: a total accident. The writing on the van in the foreground says it all.

arse

:: Posted by pete @ 22:08