Glasgow School of Art Club

The Glasgow School of Art Club was formed under Fra. Newbery in 1885/86 to enable former students access to GSA and allow for informal meetings between staff, former and present students. The Club's activities included exhibitions, "at homes", theatrical productions and the Vacation Prize Scheme, which was developed to encourage sketching and painting in the open during the summer months. The Clubhouse was in Blytheswood Square.

From the guide to the Glasgow School of Art Club, c. 1900-1950, (The Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections Centre)

The Glasgow School of Art Club was established by the Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland, in 1969. The Club was affiliated to the Students Union and was therefore open to present students and also current staff. The society's constitution claims that it object was "the provision for for the members thereof of recreational, social and educational facilities." The Club provided a snack bar and licensed bar as well as meeting rooms.

From the guide to the Records of the Glasgow School of Art Club, student association, 1969-, Glasgow, Scotland, 1969-1970, (The Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections Centre)

Established in 1867 and still existing, the Glasgow Art Club was a gentleman's club created for artists in Glasgow, Scotland, to exhibit together. Close links exist between the Glasgow School of Art and the Club and many formative members were teachers or Governors of the School.

The prime mover behind the formation of the Glasgow Art Club was William Dennistoun; other founder members included Peter S Buchannan, Duncan McLaurin and Robert Munro. In 1978 James Docharty was elected and, at the time, was regarded as being the the leading artistic member. Alexander Kellock Brown, a future President, declared in 1877 that it 'comprises in its membership all the leading artists in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.' Notwithstanding the boast, the Club rejected the applications of James Guthrie, W.Y. MacGregor, E.A. Walton and James Paterson. Archibald McGlashan was only admitted on condition that he formally withdrew 'any statement he had made about the club or any of its members.'

The club moved to its present premises in Bath Street in 1893. John Keppie was engaged as the architect and the two adjoining houses at nos.187 and 191 Bath Street were combined in a scheme which involved the building of the Long Gallery where the gardens were situated at the back. The young architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is believed to have designed the two fireplaces and the detailing for the doors and ventilators.

From the guide to the Pamphlet from the Glasgow Art Club Jubilee Dinner, Glasgow, Scotland, 30 Nov 1917, (The Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections Centre)