Urban Landscape

As the regeneration of Glasgow continues, the juxtaposition of the old and new continues to provide some interesting contrasts. I have been aware of this exposed interior wall for some time as I pass it on the way to the University building where I work. It makes quite a study in its own right with its textures of stone fireplaces and plasterwork (See the enlarged image). I'll perhaps show this in more detail another day.

The blue and green panelling, topped and tailed with barbed wire, must mean that some enterprising burglar might be able to gain entry to the rear of the Old College Bar which has its entrance in High Street (featured on 20 February) and is the oldest surviving pub in Glasgow. I was struck at how the green and blue echoes the colouring of the student flats on the left. These were among the first buildings in the city to be fitted with state-of-the-art technology to capture sunlight for heating. Quite a contrast to the little coal fires that burned in the notorious Glasgow 'single end' tenement flats with their 'ootside' toilets). To read more about what life was like in a 'single-end' have a look at the 'Glesga Pals' website.

There is another drama unfolding in the picture because a couple of police officers are advancing on the silver car where a woman is leaning in speaking to the driver. I don't know why but something required a police presence - probably all in a day's work for them! Note they are in short sleeves. This says a lot about the change in temperature in the last week.