Travel for Design – Glasgow

Most visitors to Scotland fall in love with Edinburgh, thanks to its picture-perfect castle and storybook architecture, but very few travelers tend to include Glasgow in their itineraries, which is a shame. If Edinburgh is the prettier city, think of Glasgow as its cooler, edgier little sister. To put it another way, if Edinburgh is Philadelphia, then Glasgow is Pittsburgh; it’s a little gritty and tough around the edges but well worth a look. Glasgow is Scotland’s most stylish city, as well as a leader in art, design, and innovation.

Situated along the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow has a rich heritage of art and architecture, and is famous for its distinctive Victorian- and Baroque-style buildings crafted from distinct red and blonde sandstone. Some of the best examples are Necropolis (a hilltop cemetery) and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The exterior of the latter is just as impressive as its collection, which includes works by French impressionists and Salvador Dali’s controversial “Christ of Saint John of the Cross.”

Strolling around the city, one can see the works of Alexander “Greek” Thomson. He is arguably Scotland’s most famous architect, and his love of classical pillars and symmetry are found in his buildings all over town. Glasgow was also home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, an architect and designer who was the best known champion of Art Nouveau. His works can be seen at the Willow Tea Rooms and the Glasgow School of Art, which he designed.

Today, Glasgow continues to influence global design but in a wholly different way. Here’s a look at some of the most stylish, design-driven spots in the city.

Timorous Beasties

Although this textile and wallpaper shop may be tiny, the designs pack a big punch. Designers Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons of Timorous Beasties, whose name comes from a Robert Burns poem, create patterns that are exquisite and ethereal, but that also have a sly sense of humor. Take a closer look at a pattern that looks like a classic toile; what seems bucolic is actually a depiction of street crime. Large-scale insect patterns are a popular motif, as well as updated versions of classic damask. Timorous Beasties’ designs are also in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as New York’s Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

citizenM Hotel

This boutique hotel’s ethos is to deliver high design at a low price. CitizenM is housed in a building that resembles a black cube, and its decor showcases some of the biggest names in European design, including Verner Panton, Vitra, and Charles and Ray Eames. The public spaces are sleek and resemble stylish living rooms, thanks to the huge couches and bookshelves lined with a well curated selection of art books. The guest rooms are snug but sleek, and an in-room tablet allows guests to control mood lighting. Even the self-service food area looks stylish.

Toshie Mackintosh

Toshie Mackintosh is a line of textiles and accessories designed by a group of Glasgow School of Art alumni. Inspired by Mackintosh’s color palette and intricate tiles, the team created a line of products that are modern interpretations of the designer’s style. Their “Mackintosh Tartan” and “Mackintosh Check” patterns show up in bags, scarves and t-shirts, using Scottish cashmere and wild deer skins.

Finnieston

Once neglected, this area is now the city’s hottest neighborhood due to its mix of pop-up bars, art galleries and restaurants. Think of it as the Scottish version of New York City’s Meatpacking District. Finnieston is also home to the futuristic SSE Hydro, an arena and events venue that has hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards. Don’t miss stylish seafood restaurants such as Crabshakk and Old Salty’s, which features an artful blend of subway tiles and reclaimed wood, or warm up with a cup of steaming tea at Piece, a sandwich shop with a vintage-industrial look. For art, The Shop of Interest offers original prints, while Veneer Gallery showcases contemporary Scottish artists.

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