A Talk about The Making of Blythswood with Graeme Smith

In this talk Graeme Smith will illustrate the making of Glasgow’s ‘New Town of Blythswood’ in the early 1800s with a special focus on its prime developers William Harley and Jane Laird, who were also responsible for building townhouses that would become the site of the original Willow Tea Rooms building.

Graeme Smith is an author and campaigner, who has helped to save several historic buildings and encourage new uses. Before retirement he worked in economic development, the building of New Towns and in Urban Renewal for the Scottish Development Agency. He has published five books on Scottish history, including ‘The Theatre Royal: Entertaining a Nation’ (2008), ‘Alhambra Glasgow’ (2011), ‘Newton Mearns Through Time’ (2014), ‘The University of Glasgow Library: Friendly Shelves’ (2016), with his most recent being ‘Glasgow’s Blythswood’ (2021).

In association with Glasgow Blythswood Festival 2024

Book your place at linktr.ee/mackintoshatthewillow



Part of The Dug Out 2024

Dig deeper into the inspirations and history surrounding the original Willow Tea Rooms building with our series of talks for the public. All talks are led by an expert in their field and include a chance to ask questions, and a serving of tea/coffee and home-baked shortbread in one of our historical tea rooms. Guests with full price tickets are eligible to take advantage of a special 20% discount on food and drink. Full terms on booking website.

To enquire further please contact [email protected] or telephone 0141 332 7696

For information on accessibility please visit www.mackintoshatthewillow.com/accessbility