for fans of dogs and Art Deco factory buildings
Wills factory, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow – architect unknown – date 1940s?
Crikey, I am surprised – I can’t find any info on who originally designed this Glasgow landmark, or when. As you can see in the photos, it’s been recently redeveloped into a business park. Admittedly I’ve been struggling to get my paws and claws around the pages of any books, so maybe haven’t researched as hard as I could, but I’d love any more facts if you’ve got any.
I don’t even know what fags they used to make here…
Alexandra Parade, Glasgow – architect unknown – date unknown
Just along the road from the old Wills factory. Would love to know more about it if you’ve got any info!
Templeton’s Carpet Factory, Glasgow Green - William Leiper & George A Boswell (later extensions) - 1888-92 & 1928-37
Original factory wing (Leiper, 1888-92)
1936 wing, Boswell
Corner tower (Boswell, 1934)
OK, I know it isn’t all even 20th century, but this has to be one of the most stunning buildings in Glasgow. The factory was designed by William Leiper for the manufacture of Axminster carpets, and the Venetian style gothic block (top) was built between 1888 and 1892. Behind the facade, the functional mill was designed by engineers, Messrs J B Harvey. Part of it collapsed in 1889, killing 29 women in the adjacent weaving sheds.
Various wings were added over the years, and I’m posing in front of the two best. All the 1920s and 30s wings are designed by George Boswell. It was converted into a business centre in the 1980s.
On my trip to Templeton’s factory, I met some lovely ladies who were wondering what the chimney with the rising smoke across the green to the south was. Well, I can confirm that it is from the Allied Distillers plant in the Gorbals – I hope that helps!
Salkeld St., Glasgow - Probably James Miller – 1933
I believe this beauty of a building was originally built for Leyland Motor Co. You can see it on your left as you come into Glasgow Central Station by train. Also, I think that the concrete rendering on the columns around the entrance covers up some fancy faience – if that’s true it’d be great to see a photo of it in its original glory. A little factoid for you: It was used as a location in Peter Capaldi’s film Strictly Sinatra.
