Undiscovered Scotland

 

In his foreword to this lovely book, author David Collie talks of growing up in Glasgow during the fifties and sixties and failing to appreciate what is said to be the most important Victorian architecture in the UK outside of London. He goes on to say: "Since then, the industrial grime has been removed and Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural and tourist destination. I have tried to include some of the iconic buildings and locations but to also depict aspects of the city that may be less familiar to many."

The rest of the book is wall-to-wall photographs of the highest quality. Nearly all are printed full page, but a few statues or memorials appear three or four on a page. Each photograph comes with a short caption stating what it depicts but, otherwise, there is nothing to come between the reader, or more accurately the viewer, and the images themselves. The photographs show a fascinating mix of subjects, ranging from buildings that will be known to most, to others much less so. A good proportion of the photographs show night scenes, bringing an interesting dimension to their subjects; and both the exteriors and interiors of buildings are depicted. Amongst other subjects are statues and public art, murals and graffiti. This is a great book for anyone looking for some Glasgow inspiration!

The publisher's description gives a good sense of the book: "Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has long been an important cultural and trading centre. Its historic university and the wealth generated by the Atlantic trade, followed by massive industrial expansion, has left a legacy that can be seen in the fabric of the city today. After the Second World War, it underwent a massive rehousing and urban renewal programme, moving many people to the periphery. Since the 1980s, Glasgow has redefined itself, drawing many back into the city. In this book photographer David Collie celebrates today’s Glasgow in a collection of stunning images which portray not just the new constructions that characterise the modern city, but also how the older buildings of Glasgow also survive alongside them, many turned into new uses, to create this unique and vibrant place."