The Barras

Early this morning I was down the Gallowgate in Glasgow, so decided to take a few shots at the entrance to the Barras on Moncur Street.

I love how the design of the Barras sign plays homage to the Italian renaissance inspired design of the former William White & Son's Clay Pipe Factory. The factory was built between 1876-79, and designed by architect Matthew Forsyth (1850-80). The building has some of the most intricate and ornate use of brick to be found within the city.

The Barras has been around from the late 18th century and is a Glaswegian institution which at one time was the largest open-air market in Europe. However, it's not merely a market but a place of distinct character embedded in the Glasgow psyche. The Glaswegian word barras (pronounced ba-ras) describes the handcarts which the traders used to hawk (sell) their wares.

The market where Billy Connolly bought his first banjo....so they say..