Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
16
UNAPPRECIATED
genius:
ALEXANDER
“GREEK” THOMSON
Although architect and designer Charles
Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) is well
known and his worldwide popularity has
spurred a cottage industry of “mock-
intosh” imitations from jewelry to statio-
nery, a precursor to him was perhaps
even more important and innovative.
Alexander “Greek” Thomson (1817-75)
brought a vision to Victorian Glasgow
that was unrivaled by his contempo-
raries. While the influence of classical
structures—the Greek Revival—was
nothing new, Thomson did not so much
replicate Grecian design as hone it to
essentials, and then mix in Egyptian,
Assyrian, and other Eastern-influenced
motifs. Like Mackintosh later, Thomson
increasingly found himself out of step
with fashion, which architecturally was
moving toward Gothic Revival (such as
the University of Glasgow on Gilmorehill,
which Thomson apparently despised).
While a number of structures created
by the reasonably prolific and successful
Thomson have been tragically lost to
the wrecker's ball, some key works
remain: Terraced houses, such as
Moray
Place
(where he lived) on the city's
Southside and
Eton Terrace
in the West
End; churches, such as the embarrass-
ingly derelict
Caledonian Road Church
and still-used
St. Vincent Street Church;
detached homes, such as the
Double
Villa
or
Holmwood House;
and commer-
cial structures, such as the
Grecian
Buildings
(which today houses the CCA)
or
Egyptian Halls
near Central Station.
Just as a Mackintosh trail has been cre-
ated so that fans can revisit his works,
Thomson deserves no less and, in time,
may receive his full due.
Ironically, for all of his interest in the
exotic, Thomson himself never traveled
abroad. He was planning to visit Italy
when he died in his home on Moray
Place on March 22, 1875, at the age of
57. Less than a decade later, the “Alex-
ander Thomson Travelling Studentship”
was created in his honor to send young
architects abroad. The second recipient
was none other than 22-year-old
Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art
Opened in 1993, this eclectic
museum of spirituality is next to Glasgow Cathedral on the site where the Bishop's
Castle once stood. It embraces a collection that spans the centuries and highlights
various religious groups. It has been hailed as rather unique in that Buddha, Gane-
sha, and Shiva, among other spiritual leaders, saints, and historic figures are treated
equally. A more recent acquisition is Kenny Hunter's statue of Jesus. The grounds
include a Zen garden of stone and gravel.
2 Castle St.
&
0141/553-2557.
Free admission. Mon-Thurs and Sat 10am-5pm; Fri and Sun 11am-5pm.
Train: High St. Bus: 11, 36, 38, 42, or 89.
Science Centre
On the banks of the River Clyde and opposite the Scottish
Exhibition and Conference Centre, the futuristic-looking buildings of the Science
Centre are a focal point in Glasgow's redevelopment of the once rundown former
docklands. The overall theme of the exhibitions is to document 21st-century chal-
lenges, as well as Glasgow's contribution to science and technology in the past,
present, and future. Families should enjoy the hands-on and interactive activities,
whether taking a three-dimensional head scan or starring in their own digital video.
