Building Knowledge

For over 560 years the University of Glasgow has acted as a remarkable patron of architecture. Each generation has sought to maintain and adapt the University's buildings to the ever-changing needs of a world-class teaching and research institution. Often the University has turned to the finest architects, designers and craftsmen to realise its ambitions. Recent survey work undertaken by Historic Scotland in collaboration with the University has unearthed an extraordinary record of these partnerships. Now, for the first time, the story of the University and its buildings can be told through a wealth of never-before-published archive material, ranging from photographs, plans and drawings, to contracts, accounts and personal letters. Building Knowledge traces the development of the institution from its founding in 1451 right up until the present day - including the latest chapter in its architectural history, about to be written with the expansion of the main campus.The University's fascinating buildings - which continue to inspire thousands of students, residents and visitors - have much to tell us about Scotland's enduring role as a centre of learning and culture in both Europe and the wider world. In this lavish new book, the story of a thriving University - and the people who built and shaped it - is brought to life in vivid detail.