As part of Glasgow850, throughout 2025, the Mitchell Library, in partnership with The Alexander Thomson Society, is staging a programme of free talks, films and exhibitions reflecting 850 years of the city’s history.

On 18 January, Niall Murphy from the Glasgow City Heritage Trust looks at the history of George Square, today a central feature of the city’s political and cultural life and heritage.

Niall Murphy is Director of the Glasgow City Heritage Trust, and previously practised as an architect in Edinburgh, Berlin and Hong Kong. He has been particularly involved in architectural conservation and preservation in Govanhill and Pollokshields and hosts the Trust’s “If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk” podcast.

Tickets are free but must be booked online.