The Hatrack

Category: Historic Building/Architectural Interest

142-144 St Vincent Street.

The Hatrack is one of Glasgow's most unusual buildings. It is very tall and narrow, with a fantastic ornamental roof. This gives the building its nickname - it looks like an old-fashioned hatstand. It was designed by the Glasgow architect James Salmon Jr (1873-1924), and was completed in 1902. Salmon came from three generations of Glasgow architects, and got the nickname of "The Wee Troot". He often used a lot of sculpture on buildings, such as Mercantile Chambers. Salmon has crammed a lot into the tiny facade of The Hatrack - there are over forty windows alone ! Over the doorway is a lovely drum shaped stained-glass window, featuring a sailing ship. The rich red sandstone has delicate Art Nouveau carving, and the whole facade of The Hatrack seems to stand out from the other buildings in the street because of the strong rippling shape of the bays. There are curving iron railings around the windows, but the real attraction is the amazing, spiky lead roof. Lead is a durable but attractive material, and is formed into smooth curving shapes with crown with elegant spires. This is a great example of Glasgow's unique architectural heritage.