Image: Templeton’s Carpet Factory, Glasgow Green by Rosser1954, sourced from Wikimedia Commons and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
One of Scotland’s most colourful industrial façades survives within a mixed-use complex beside Glasgow Green.
Quick facts
- Date
- Built in phases from 1868; landmark façade completed 1889; later additions to 1938
- Architect / designer
- William Leiper; later work by George Boswell and others
- Type
- Polychrome Venetian Gothic carpet factory adapted to mixed use
- Designation
- Listed building, Category A (LB33857)
- OS grid reference
- NS 60325 64163
Architecture and continuing use
William Leiper’s 1889 front is a spectacular composition of glazed brick and faience inspired by Venetian Gothic architecture. Plainer industrial ranges behind it document earlier and later phases of carpet production on a large scale.
Its story
Templeton’s works developed from 1868, with Leiper’s celebrated façade completed in 1889 and later additions including work by George Boswell. Conversion began in the 1980s; WEST now operates a brewery, beer hall and event spaces within part of the complex.
Why it is included
Its extraordinary polychromy, major industrial history and continuing public-facing reuse make it an essential Glasgow landmark.
What to notice
- Dense patterns of coloured glazed brick and faience.
- Venetian Gothic arches and gables.
- More functional factory ranges behind the ceremonial façade.
Reading the surroundings
The complex has several occupiers. Use public businesses and routes in accordance with their opening information and respect private offices and residences.
Timeline
- Built in phases from 1868 Templeton’s works developed from 1868, with Leiper’s celebrated façade completed in 1889 and later additions including work by George Boswell. Conversion began in the 1980s; WEST now operates a brewery, beer hall and event spaces within part of the complex.
- Present Mixed-use former factory including an operating brewery, beer hall and events venue.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The listed complex is mixed use. WEST’s current operation confirms one major occupier but does not establish the use or access status of every unit.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Templeton Carpet Factory, LB33857 — Designation category, mapped location, construction phases, fabric, authorship and architectural interest.
- WEST on the Green — Current brewery, beer hall, events, address and visitor information within the complex.
Location
OS grid reference NS 60325 64163 · Location confidence: High: the HES designation provides an official mapped National Grid Reference and the current source confirms the Place relationship or present identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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