Alexander 'Greek’ Thomson was a leading 19th century architect who practised exclusively in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Nicknamed ‘Greek’ owing to his drawing from Greek models of architecture, adapted to contemporary use as churches, warehouses, villas, terraces and tenements, he also drew inspiration from Egyptian, Assyrian, Roman and even Hindu models, despite never leaving the United Kingdom.
Thomson was born on 9 April 1817, in Balfron, Stirlingshire. Before moving to Glasgow at a young age. His talent for drawing was noted while he worked in a lawyers office and after an apprenticeship with architect John Baird , he started his architectural career. Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson is responsible for buildings including Holmwood House, St Vincent Church and Great Western Terrace, among many others. Thomson died in Glasgow on 22 March 1875 at his home at 1 Moray Place in the terrace he had himself designed. He was 57 years old.
This exhibition, commemorating the 150th anniversary of his death, is organised by The Alexander Thomson Society in conjunction with Glasgow Libraries and the staff of the Mitchell Library who are also celebrating Glasgow 850.
Alongside the exhibition, which will run from mid-March to mid-May, the Society is organising a program of events about Thomson and his works, taking place in the Mitchell Library’s Moir-Dyer Room at 1.00pm on successive Saturdays. See "related events" below.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Glasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group runs on the first Thursday of each month with the library kindly providing books for all members, so there is no cost involved!
READ MOREJoin Creating Conversations CIC at The Mitchell Library for one of their regular Death Cafe, a safe, confidential and friendly space to come together and talk openly and honestly about death.
READ MOREGlasgow Libraries have joined up with Make 2nds Count to host a monthly tea and chat meet up group for secondary breast cancer patients in Glasgow.
READ MORECut and Paste Tuesday at The Mitchell Library is a monthly workshop for seasoned zine makers and newbies alike!
READ MORE
The Parade Artists annual Christmas Market features an eclectic group of artists exhibiting in Glass, Paint, Ceramics, Print, Textile, Jewellery and Mixed Media!
READ MORE
For one weekend, four Scottish artists come together to share what this city means to them. Beautiful Shambles is a visual love letter to Glasgow with all its character, charm and contradictions.
READ MORE
Still Glasgow at the Gallery of Modern Art is an extensive new exhibition which has photography at its core and looks at Glasgow, past and present.
READ MORE
This December, The Glasgow Gallery of Photography will be displaying an international photography exhibition with the theme Fashion running for 3 weeks.
READ MORE
This December, The Glasgow Gallery of Photography will be displaying an international photography exhibition with the theme Purple running for 3 weeks.
READ MORE
For the first time Ashley Rawson's original paintings are being put on display, don't miss the Glasgow Kiss Exhibition at Cass Art in December!
READ MORE
Beneath the Trees is a collaborative art exhibition at Saltspace Gallery featuring the work of B.B. Gray, Joanie Jack and Christine Novosel.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show returns to the Scottish Event Campus for 2026 between the 5th and 8th of February!
READ MORE