An interesting question in the post from two adventurous Belgian visitors who have just downloaded Glasgow Music Tour in preparation for a visit to the city in July.
Where, they ask, can they find someone to guide them round Glasgow’s public art? Nothing too formal, they just want some local knowledge of what to look for off the beaten track.
Mono: a good place to hang out and plan your day
Well, that set us thinking. First of all there are many good walking tours of the city. not least the Glasgow School of Art tours led by students. Kelvingrove highly recommends Clare McLeod’s Intermezzo Arts and Clare, by the way, also recommends Douglas Baird of Bairds Travels.
But our Belgian friends are here for one night only so guided tours at the weekend are out of the question. However we think we’ve come up with a solution thanks to two friends – both called Tommy as it happens – with a keen eye for Glasgow’s street culture and a love of exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of any city they visit.
For a DIY meandering mooch round Glasgow’s art and music they recommend:
Mono and Monorail – Tommy 1 says: “This is just the kind of place I would love to discover when I’m exploring a new city. Not just a great place to eat and drink but there’s often live music and the record store is a must for any music enthusiast looking for a flavour of the Glasgow scene.”
The Briggait – and all those pop up shops, cafes and galleries round the Trongate.
The Merchant City – Tommy 2 has some real hidden treasures to share (more about that later).
The CCA – the Sauchiehall Street hub for art, film, music, theatre and unexpected happenings of all kinds.
And since the Merchant City Festival will be in full swing from 24-28 there will be plenty to see just walking and going with the creative flow through the streets.
Of course (ahem) we’re delighted to say all of these places – and many more – feature on Glasgow Music Tour. And we are equally delighted to tell our new friends that as Glasgow Music Tourers they are entitled to discounted meals in The Arches and MacSorleys Music bar.
We look forward to hearing how they get on. And if you have any other tips and recommendations we will certainly pass them on.
Keep an eye open for hidden treasure.
Some really interesting suggestions from Facebook friends:
“Necropolis – the closer to sunset the better maybe not the public art you’re talking about but surely art in its own right. Just in that neighbourhood there are a few new murals, some coffee shops feature local artists’ works, street level works at trongate 103. If they can get out if Glasgow I highly
recommends Jupiter Artland”
“House for an Art Lover’s Art Park is good for a sunny day, house isn’t bad either.”
“They should be adventurously awesome and come to my 16 artists exhibition opening tonight in the ludicrously off the beaten track that is George sq. A place called DNA, south Fredrick St 6pm. ”
Or simply….
“King Street”.