The terraced mansions of Carlton Place have a prestige riverfront site, fronting onto the river.
The development attempts to compose a whole street in a
symmetrical architectural composition.
There were once pavilions acting as terminal points at either
end while the centre is still dominated by the imposing facade
of nos. 51 and 52, the latter being Laurieston House, James
Laurie's own home. Its interior contains some of the finest
decorative plasterwork in Glasgow, a spiral staircase lit by an
oval cupola supported by Corinthian columns, and unusual design
features. The architect, Peter Nicholson (1765-1844) spent eight
years in Glasgow and also designed a classical style quadrangle for
the Old College (demolished), before moving to spent the rest of
his career as an architect and influential writer on architecture,
in England.
The success of these new city areas was limited and in the end
their aspirations were subverted by the overwhelming demands of
rapidly growing industry and trade and the influx of artisans who
worked in the numerous industries still located in and around the
city centre. The area eventually became decayed and very
over-crowded, part of The Gorbals once notorious
reputation. The area has since undergone several major
redevelopments. Carlton Place remains a reminder of its past
splendour and ambition.
Also at Victoria Bridge and the Merchant City (Back to
Listing)