New Glasgow book on Art Deco architecture hits shelves

Published by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the book titled 'Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age' offers a detailed examination of the design movement's impact across the country.

Read more: 'Come and celebrate with us': Iconic Glasgow cinema to host anniversary event

The book, written by Bruce Peter, a design history professor at the Glasgow School of Art, was released on Thursday, April 10. 

It features more than 150 photographs and illustrations from HES's collection.

The former Beresford Hotel and The Empire Exhibition (Image: Bruce Peter (l) Ian Johnston (r)) Structures from Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, Aberdeen, and Inverness, are highlighted, amongst others, showcasing the spread of Art Deco throughout the nation.

Mr Peter said: "Scotland had—and still has—a remarkable variety of Art Deco buildings.

"They add character to city streets and local communities from Peterhead to Stranraer, Inverness to Kelso.

"Scotland also excelled in the making of Art Deco furniture and textiles, while Clyde-built passenger liners included the world’s biggest, fastest, and most glamorous examples."

Art Deco, a style marked by its sleek, glamorous design, originated in Paris and New York in the 1920s before making its way to Scotland.

The style represented wealth and sophistication, influencing everything from villas and ocean liners to shops, cafes, and cinemas.

Peter's book explores the diversity of Art Deco architecture and design across the country, noting iconic structures such as the Beresford Hotel, the Radio Cinema in Kilbirnie, the Portobello Lido, the Tower of Empire in Glasgow, and the Clyde-built Queen Mary.

Exterior of the Paramount, Renfield Street, Glasgow. Frank T Verity and Samuel Beverley, 1934 (Image: Bruce Peter collection) As 2025 will mark the centenary of the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the international exhibition that inspired and gave a name to the Art Deco style, the book is a timely nod to the era's legacy.

Read more: 'We’re so excited': Glasgow BMX track to open for Easter Sunday bike sessions

'Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age' is available to purchase from stor.scot and from other bookshops for £30 RRP.

Neil Gregory, head of outreach at HES, said: "It's been a fantastic journey working with Bruce Peter on this book and I'm thrilled to see it hitting bookstore shelves.

"'Art Deco Scotland' brings together history, design and a great collection of archive imagery, all while shining a spotlight on a fascinating part of Scotland's 20th-century heritage."