To celebrate the bicentenary of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson‘s birth a programme of events and activities have been planned to take place throughout 2017. We will continue to update this calendar throughout the year with more and more exciting events as these are confirmed so please keep checking back. You can also sign up to our e-mail newsletter here to stay up to date.
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
7:00 pm
The Alexander Thomson Society are pleased to present a rare books event in association with The Mitchell Library. Glasgow architect and director of the Society, Scott Abercrombie, will deliver a talk giving a historical context to the importance of these books in relation to Thomson’s work and other contemporary Glaswegian architects. He will discuss built examples where…
Apr 6 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
6:30 pm
We are delighted that Eric Parry joins the Society this year to deliver our annual Alexander Thomson lecture. This event is open to all. Members can book tickets by clicking “enter promotional code” and entering the password they received in the post along with their journal. Members requiring a reminder of their password or other…
May 23 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
6:30 pm
Architect and deputy director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, Niall Murphy, will deliver a talk focussing on the life and work of Sir John James Burnet. His works include Charing Cross Mansions and the Clyde Navigation Trust building in Glasgow, and works to British Museum and Selfridges in London.
Jul 25 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
6:30 pm
Nominated for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards in 2017 for his research into James Sellars and his Kelvinside Academy building, Dominic Ferrie will present his ongoing research into the life and work of Sellars, and his link to Alexander Thomson.
Aug 22 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
6:30 pm
Iain McGillivray will discuss the ongoing and planned restoration work at Holmwood, one of Thomson’s finest interiors. Followed by Helen Kendrick who will deliver a talk drawing from her fantastic book, Glasgow Interiors, prepared in collaboration with Neale Smith.
Oct 5 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
6:30 pm
Writer, journalist and architecture critic, Owen Hatherley, joins the Society to deliver the inaugural Gavin Stamp lecture. Owen is the author of Militant Modernism, Landscapes of Communism and A Guide to the New Ruins of Great Britain.
Jul 25 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
6:30 pm
Glasgow architect John Joseph Burns will present his research into the history of the tenement typology in Scotland, examining its development from the 1700’s to current times. “The Tenement typology defines Glasgow not only in it’s urban character but also in it’s history and it’s own self-perception. Much has been written about the Glasgow tenement…
Feb 21 @ 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm
1:30 pm
The Save Egyptian Halls symposium brings speakers together discuss the significance of this A-listed building and how it might be saved. Timetable tbc, speakers include: Niall Murphy – Glasgow City Heritage Trust Fiona Sinclair – Fiona Sinclair Architects Scott Abercrombie / Mark Baines – The Alexander Thomson Society Ben Adam – David Narro Associates Andrew…
Apr 2 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
6:30 pm
We are delighted that this year’s Alexander Thomson Lecture will be delivered by Amin Taha. The London-based, Stirling Prize nominated architect of buildings such as 15 Clerkenwell Close and Barrett’s Grove will deliver a talk reflecting on his work and his approach to architecture. The Society were interested by Amin’s approach to the use of…
Sep 29 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
6:30 pm
Patrick is an author and historic paint consultant with a wealth of experience in unpicking the lost decorative schemes of significant buildings across the UK, including Holmwood. His books, The Anatomy of Colour and Nature’s Palette have both been met with high praise and are exceptionally well illustrated. He joins the Society to discuss his…
Oct 27 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
6:30 pm
Amin joins the Society to deliver his long-awaiting talk which was postponed at the start of the pandemic. He heads up the London-based practice Groupwork, which has won multiple RIBA awards and been nominated for the Stirling Prize. Amin is particularly interested in the potential of structural stone in modern construction, as well as experimenting…
Nov 25 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
6:30 pm
Max is the curator of 19th century furniture at the V&A and author of books on Christopher Dresser and Daniel Cottier. He joins us to discuss his latest book, which focuses on Cottier’s work. Cottier and Thomson were closely connected, most notably collaborating on the design of Queen’s Park Church together.
Oct 30 – Dec 11 all-day
12:00 am
** Please note that unfortunately we have had to temporarily close this exhibition. We hope to reopen as soon as we can. ** Mark Baines Architectural Illustration Competition Exhibition: Sunday 30th October – Sunday 11th December The Arlington Baths Reading Room First Floor Organised in memory of former Alexander Thomson Society Chair. We’re delighted to…
May 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
7:00 pm
An illustrated talk by Sally White about Alexander Thomson’s considerable portfolio of work in the southside of Glasgow. Sally is the Secretary and a director of the Alexander Thomson Society, and was property Manager for seven years at Holmwood in Cathcart, known as Thomson’s finest villa.
Jun 10 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
11:00 am
This guided walk through Pollokshields and Strathbungo will reveal the impact of Thomson on the townscape of this well-preserved Southside suburb. His internationally famous masterpiece (and home) Moray Place, his nearby villas, terraces, tenements and shops, and the work of his professional partners, pupils and followers can all be found concentrated in just a few…
Aug 24 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
7:00 pm
Where Thomson Worked Dominic d’Angelo Thursday 24 August at 7pm (doors open from 6:45pm, talk starts at 7pm) Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Online Where did ‘Greek’ Thomson train as an architect? Where were his workplaces? And do any of them survive? Join us for a talk by Dominic d’Angelo, former Secretary of the Alexander…
Sep 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
7:00 pm
Greek Thomson’s Commercial Buildings Scott Abercrombie Thursday 14 September at 7pm (doors open from 6:45pm, talk starts at 7pm) Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Online – a talk hosted as part of Glasgow’s Doors Open Day 2023 Scott Abercrombie, Chair of the Society, will look at Thomson’s urban commercial buildings and the lasting impact they…
Mar 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
7:00 pm
Join us 28th March for Dominic’s talk on the Cairney Building, one of Thomson’s sadly demolished warehouses on Bath Street. We’ll be live from Glasgow City Heritage Trust (54 Bell Street, Glasgow, G1 1LQ) or you can join us online. Tickets £5/£3 or free for members, booking via eventbrite is essential.
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