A Glasgow perspective: sign of the times
Looking up and around us more gave us a new perspective on Glasgow during lockdown. One of the things that started to catch my eye was a good sign, and pubs provided several examples. Above is The Aragon on Byres Road – given that this pub was established in a former butcher’s shop in the 1970s, I’m not sure of the significance of the monk but he looks good. A few more pubs below, some from towns just outside Glasgow when we started to roam a bit further.
Why does a house in North Kelvinside have a French road sign in front of it? You could hardly smuggle it back in your suitcase …
I like the juxtaposition of these two black metal signs for the Engine Works in Maryhill and Partick Housing Association. The former was literally an engine works not that long ago – Clark and Buchanan – but has recently been renovated as an events venue. The couple who bought it sank a lot of their own money into it, so I hope their business survives the current problems.
Nae fancy nonsense at GWR restaurant, and an example of the many Chinese language signs in the area around Glasgow University. How many Chinese students will return next year? Who knows …
I liked the two cycleway signs at Kelvingrove, and was intrigued by the mini basketball hoop and sign in North Kelvinside. Do the fairies play?
Two different kinds of paradise! Paradise is an alternative name for Celtic Park football ground, the huge sign of which can be seen from Glasgow Necropolis. “Almost any garden, if you see it at just the right moment, can be confused with paradise” (Henry Mitchell). We came across this welcoming sign to Woodlands Community Garden on our way home from our one evening out in the last four months.
We loved this two-sided sign for Milton of Campsie Bowling Club.
And finally – I would have more belief that this was a centre of excellence if Terry could actually spell it!
I’m linking to Becky’s SquarePerspectives challenge and, as has become habitual in this series, I’ll play you out with a song. I’d decided on Sign of the times before looking for a video – and they’re all awful! So this is audio only, but you do get to gaze on a still of the very mean and moody looking Mr Bryan Ferry for two minutes or so. I’ll take that.
Anabel, you have much more interesting signs in Scotland than we have over here in Canada.
Jude
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I have had a lot of opportunities to look out for them over the last few months!
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Love all these signs and I wonder if that monk lived in the area way, way back when. There are so many in mainland Europe and I love so many. It always told the people what the business was since most couldn’t read or write
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Apparently the monk was Spanish, so I’m told, but I still have no idea why he is in Glasgow!
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The monk does look good. I like the signs from pubs that have been named after famous people where the painting of the person in question on the sign looks nothing like them, though the pint-headed man is pretty good too!
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I’m told the monk is James of Aragon who gave up his right to the throne of Aragon in order to become a monk, though still not sure why he has a Glasgow pub named after him!
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I’m intrigued by the French road sign. I have visions of some Allo Allo style plot gone wrong and the sign ended up in North Kelvinside. I’m sure there’s probably much more mundane explanation though.
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There probably is, but I like that one!
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Fabulous post. Excellent collection. What a variety. Keeps the eye entertained. Usually makes places memorable I like that.
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Thanks you, I’m glad you enjoyed my selection.
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This is a great collection of signs and includes some I am very familiar with (though not for a couple of years now!) My favourite Glasgow pub sign/name used to be The Muscular Arms. I thought it was a great name! I don’t think it is there now.
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No, I think it’s a branch of Yo Sushi now – or it was. So many things not opening up again.
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Definitely a sign of the times in more ways than one. 😦
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Indeed!
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Such a lovely collection of signs 🙂 I guess you could bring back the French road signs in the boot of your car if you were doing the cross channel ferry route?
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But they must way a ton! Not sure that would help the car’s suspension, especially over a long drive to Glasgow. Maybe the person is a lorry driver? The plot thickens …
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A very good point! Yes maybe a lorry driver then … a secret French road sign import business?
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😀
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That’s a great collection. The monk one looks so classic for a pub. I’d meet you there for a drink!
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I think it’s open again now Eilene, what are we waiting for?
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😁 Apparently for Scotty to beam me up your way!
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Ha ha, “Beam me up Scotty” was a regular refrain of one of my colleagues when something particularly frustrating happened! I’m afraid it never worked.
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I think those are great signs, spelling errors and all!
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Certainly some wee gems in there!
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