Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Garden at House for Art Lover, Glasgow

This evening, I am posting a small portfolio of images taken within the last few days at two well renowned gardens in Glasgow.

The first five images of this post, including this video clip, were taken at House for Art Lover Garden in Glasgow. This garden is immacutely amaintained by Glasgow Council with a strog trradition of growing sweet peas. The effect is a crisp, vibrant, kaleidoscope of colours coupled with expertly manicured lawns. Compare these summer images with Spring!

Garden at House for Art Lover, Glasgow

Garden at House for an Art Lover, Glasgow

Garden at House for Art Lover, Glasgow

Garden at House for an Art Lover, Glasgow

 In contrast to the vibrancy at House for Art Lover, the images below are from Greenbank, owned by Scotland’s National Trust with an emphasis on daffodils  and bergenias. The results at Greenbank is a more subtle, pastel effect.

I find pleasure in both styles of  garden, as do my tour guests.

Garden at Greenbank, Glasgow

Garden at Greenbank, Glasgow

Garden at Greenbank, Glasgow

Garden Pond at Greenbank Garden

Garden at Greenbank, Glasgow

Garden at Greenbank, Scotland

Today, with two guests, I embarked on a Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture themed tour of Glasgow.

First, we visited the stunning House for an Art Lover. This was designed by Mackintosh in 1901 but completed in 1996. Features a permanent exhibition of decorative furnished rooms by contemporary artists and craftspeople. There is also an adjacent well maintained garden which was resplendent in full colour today.

House for Art Lover by Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow

Music Room, House for Art Lover, Glasgow

Colourful Garden, House for Art Lover, Glasgow

Next to nearby Scotland Street School which features  impressive leaded glass towers, carved stonework and interplay of light and space.

Scotland Street School, Glasgow, Scotland

 Next to the Mackintosh Church at Queen’s Cross. The only church designed by Mackintosh to be built. Features stained glass and exceptional relief carving on wood and stonework. Light and space are used to dramatic effect.

Mackintosh Church, Queen's Cross, Glasgow

Interior of Mackintosh Church, Glasgow

 Next to nearby Ruchill Church Hall. This was built as a mission and consists of two halls and two committee rooms. A well planned minor work. Building is still in use as a Community Centre.

Ruchill Church Hall, Glasgow, Scotland

Inside Ruchill Church Hall, by Mackintosh, Glasgow

 Next to the  Lighthouse. Formerly, the Glasgow Herald Building which incorporates a floor dedicated to Mackintosh’s work.

Lighthouse by Mackintosh, Glasgow

Daily Record Building, Renfield Lane, Glasgow

 

Stereo Restaurant, Renfield Lane, Glasgow

 Next to the Glasgow School of Art which is acknowledged as Mackintosh’s masterpiece. Guests joined a guided tour of the interior which lasted about one hour.

Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland

Aspect of Mackintosh designed Glasgow School of Art, Scotland

Final visit of the day was to the Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street, close to the Art School. Here we availed of afternoon tea in very pleasant surroundings.

Willow Tea Rooms, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow

Finally, I returned guests to their hotel in the West End where tour ended at about 5.30pm.

This morning I collected guests from Paisley hotel and then proceeded as follows:

First to Greenbank Garden, south of Glasgow. This is largely unchanged since it was first established in the 18th century and is now a centre of horticulture excellence with special focus on daffodils and bergenias.  A colorful and diversified display.

Colourful Flower, Greenbank Garden, Glasgow

Colourful Garden at Greenbank, Glasgow

Next to Pollok house and park. Pollok House also dates from the 18th century and sits majestically close to the White Cart Water. Close by are a picturesque herd of Highland Cattle which we observed and photographed.

Pollok House, Pollok Park, Glasgow

Highland Cow, Pollok Park, Glasgow

Next to visit the nearby Burrell Collection. Here there are wide range of objects and art ranging form ancient Egypt to medieval furniture to armour and stained glass.

Figure of Luohan, Ming Dynasty, Burrell Collection

Rodin Statue, Burrell Collection, Glasgow

Next guests availed of a swim at Eastwood and then we moved on for a spot of lunch at the Boaters Cafe at nearby Rouken Glen.

Boaters Cafe, Rouken Glen, Scotland

Nect we drove to the Springburn area of Glasgow for the highlight of the day which was a Speedway event  where we witnessed a meeting between the Glasgow Tigers and Workington Comets. This dynamic event lasted two hours and was well patronised.

Speedway, Ashfield Stadium, Glasgow

Speedway, Ashfield Stadium, Glasgow

Speedway, Sshfield Stadium, Glasgow

Speedway, Ashfield Stadium, Glasgow

After conclusion of the Speedway event I returned guests to their hotel ready for next leg of their tour-to Ireland.