Port Glasgow Town Hall

Port Glasgow Town Hall stands on the site of the former town hall which was demolished in 1961, but the original steeple designed by David Hamilton 1815, still survives.

David Hamilton (1768-1843) was Glasgow's pre-eminent architect of the early 19th century. He has been called the "father of the profession" in Glasgow. He made his name with Hutchesons' Hospital, 1802 and became a prolific country house designer, often working for Scotland's aristocracy, such as the Duke of Hamilton, for whom he redesigned Hamilton Palace between 1822-38. (It was demolished in 1927).

Some of his finest works that survive include: The Nelson Monument, Glasgow Green, 1806; Camphill House, Queen's Park, 1810; the Royal Exchange, 1827 (now GOMA); Mosesfield, Springburn Park, 1838; the Cleland Testimonial Building, 1834 and the Western Club House, Buchanan Street, 1839-42.

And not forgetting the Corinthian, 1841, one of my favourite interiors in Glasgow.

Hamilton was closely involved with the development of the Necropolis, Glasgow's greatest graveyard, for which he designed its gates and Bridge of Sighs,1838, (in collaboration with his son, James) and the Egyptian Vaults, 1837.

I have been wanting to photograph this building for a while and this morning the light was just perfect. This is a view from the stairs of the Endeavour Sculpture which I photographed earlier this year.