Tour Scotland Glasgow Photography Book

Tour Scotland Glasgow Photography Book. The Spirit of Glasgow. When Glasgow was designated the 1990 European Capital of Culture, it seized the opportunity to invest heavily in both creating culture as well as celebrating what already existed.The result is that the city is now the third most visited in the UK, after London and neighbouring Edinburgh. But despite carefully dovetailed efforts to market its history and its modernity, this complex cosmopolitan city is as much a mystery as it ever was. Glasgow celebrates its sardonic humour through the likes of Billy Connolly and Rab C. Nesbitt, and its architectural genius through Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is full of united patriotic fervour yet is fiercely divided by loyalties to its two principal football teams. It is being developed, especially along the Clyde waterfront, at breakneck speed while it steadfastly hangs on to the memories of its founding fathers. Its transport system, especially its road network, panders to the twenty-first century need for speed and carves its elevated way through the very centre of the city, giving travellers an eye-level view of graceful elderly
facades of monumental buildings constructed when the automobile was still a rarity. Seen through the lens of unrivalled photographer Andy Stansfield, Glasgow is a European Capital of Contrasts. It is this dramatic juxtaposition of ancient and modern which dominates his photographic record of recent visits to the city
capturing the true spirit of Glasgow. The Spirit of Glasgow.

All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

Glasgow from the Air covers the period from 1930 to 2005 in a series of black and white and colour photographs of almost every part of the city. A large number of the photographs have been drawn from the collection of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Others come from the Mitchell Library, and there are also rare Royal Air Force Reconnaisance shots taken during WWII. Descriptive text accompanies the aerial views, along with ground photographs that illustrate key points. The book is divided into eight chapters, with each one covering a different area of the city. The aerial views enable the discovery of surprising links between unconnected areas, as well as revealing large areas of green that we never knew existed. They also give a telling perspective on the impact of new developments, such as the M8 and the Clyde Expressway, which slashed through the city wiping out most of old Townhead, Cowcaddens, Finnieston and Anderson. Spanning 75 years, these incredible photographs clearly highlight the architectural and structural changes that have taken place in Glasgow over the decades. Glasgow from the Air: 75 Years of Aerial Photography.

Second City: Glasgow Photographs 1860 to 1960. These are photographs of Glasgow at its zenith, when it was among the most dynamic cities on earth. In this wonderful collection we see all the elements that made Glasgow great: the world-renowned industries; the majestic buildings; the bustling streets full of exclusive shops; the beautiful parks; the grand theatres, cinemas, hotels and restaurants; the museums and universities. The places featured include George Square, Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street, Argyle Street, Trongate, High Street, Central Station, St Vincent Street, Queen Street, the Broomielaw, the river Clyde, Great Western Road, Glasgow Cross, Shawlands Cross, Charing Cross, Bridgeton Cross, the Gorbals, the west end and the east end. There are also photographs of Glasgow's transport system, including the trams, the underground, ferries and buses. Then there are the shops, some like Copland and Lye and Hope Brothers long gone, others like Watt Brothers still with us. Historic pubs, most of them now demolished, feature along with legendary theatres like the Empire and Citizen's. Landmark buildings are also to the fore: Glasgow University, Glasgow Cathedral, the city chambers, Rogano Oyster bar, Glasgow Bridge among them. We are also given insights into the lives of Glasgow's people, from prosperous businessmen to the denizens of the slums, which, despite Glasgow's huge wealth were among the worst in Europe. Many great photographers are represented, among them true pioneers of the art like George Washington Wilson, Thomas Annan, James Craig Annan, Bert Hardy and Haywood Magee, as well as exponents from prominent publications like The Scotsman, Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Picture Post. No expense has been spared in the production of this beautifully designed book. It is a quality hardback with a full-colour cover. and all of the photographs are presented on the highest quality 'glossy' art paper. Most of the photographs are reproduced full page, thus ensuring that these historic photographs of a great city are seen in the best possible light. Second City: Glasgow Photographs 1860-1960.