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 with its own unique character analysing it from a social history or urban planning perspective but there isn’t a study which cohesively tells the story of the architectural evolution of the Glasgow tenement from it’s medieval beginnings right through to the social housing provision of today. Telling this story of the naturally evolving tenement will ultimately reveal the history of Glasgow itself. The changing form of each period reflects the standards, restrictions, aims, ambitions and even failings of the time they were built. The study will focus on the everyday tenements that form the large majority of the housing stock at Glasgow’s peak and still to this day.”

The Alexnder Thomson Society and National Library of Scotland present art historian Anne Lyden (Chief Curator of Photography, National Galleries of Scotland) discussing the work of influential Victorian photographer Thomas Annan.

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 McConnell – Glasgow Building Preservation Trust

Dara Parsons – Historic Environment Scotland

Jamie McNamara – Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

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 stone masonry, texture and pattern, and his abstracted use of classical forms in his Upper Street project.

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 career through introducing his process and showcasing a selection of the historic buildings he’s worked on.

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 with material and decoration. He will discuss the output of Groupwork and some of his ongoing projects and research.

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.

Exhibition of entries to our Mark Baines Architectural Illustration Competition, and of drawings from our Glasgow Domestic Building Details survey.

Exhibition of entries to our Mark Baines Architectural Illustration Competition, and of drawings from our Glasgow Domestic Building Details survey.

Exhibition of entries to our Mark Baines Architectural Illustration Competition, and of drawings from our Glasgow Domestic Building Details survey.