Anchor Line Building

Category: Historic Building/Architectural Interest

12-16 St Vincent Place

Glasgow's great maritime history has left several lasting marks on the city's architecture. The Anchor Line was a successful shipping company, and had this grand office built in 1907. The architect was James Miller (1860-1947), who had the facade clad in shining white faience called Doulton Cararra. The intricate carving in the door-arch was made by the sculptor H.H. Martyn, It shows a bearded figure, who may be Neptune, god of the sea, and cherubs draped in seaweed and seashells. There are also other fine figurative carvings over the windows.

The gilded anchors are a reminder that Glasgow built much of its fortune on shipping.