Buchanan Bridge Club

4 Clairmont Gardens G3 7LW

Style of Charles Wilson, 1857

Category A Listed

Much admired charming A-listed terraced Victorian townhouse with innumerable original features. Formerly the home of David Hutcheson, the founder of Calmac, and subsequently bought by the Buchanan Bridge Club in 1960. Sample bridge lessons; Sat & Sun 2pm.

Most homes in the Park area of Glasgow became offices after the Second World War, but the Buchanan Bridge Club is a notable exception. The function of this house did not change for the first 100 years and it has retained a plethora of original features, enabling visitors to have a glimpse of domestic life in Glasgow in the 1850s as Glasgows affluent citizens moved West.

David Hutcheson was a steamship owner and needed a house in which to entertain, and which reflected his status as a successful entrepeneur. As his fleet of steamers grew he needed to impress his business colleagues. David Hutcheson was one of One Hundred Glasgow Men the men with foresight and enterprise who transformed Glasgow in Victorian times and developed the city as the Second City of the Empire. He had no sons and when he retired David McBrayne succeeded him, and changed the name from David Hutcheson and Co. It is now familiar to you as Calmac. Club members will be delighted to show you this beautiful building and, as well as flagging up the original features, give you lots more information about the role of David Hutcheson in the development of shipping and so changing the face of the West of Scotland. You will also be able to see a small exhibition on this theme. Today we enjoy playing bridge in the stunning rooms and this is your opportunity to combine a tour and, should you wish, enjoy a sample bridge lesson on either Saturday or Sunday at 2p.m.

Part of the Childrens Programme: As families go round the building we have a quiz for children to complete, with a small prize for all completed entries.

Discover Glasgows Industrial Heritage: This is not an industrial building, but the development of the steamship industry started here.

Number in Brochure: 95