Glasgow Architecture

I was in town for an optician's appointment today on a cold wet morning. I pass this building in West Nile Street regularly but only recently discovered that the facade was designed by Alexander "Greek" Thomson and was one of his earliest commercial designs. Although it was restored in 1996 it looks as if it could do with some more attention now. The shops at street level have changed hands and been rebuilt on a number of occasions since their original construction. For as long as I can remember there have men's barbours on that site.

Although not one of Thomson's best known works, the 1858 office building in West Nile Street does include some of his trademark design features. The incised decorations on the walls and the use of columns, can be seen in many other Thomson buildings.