One of the first things the Trades House decided to do in 16/17th Centuries was to take over and co-ordinate an existing scheme by some of the Crafts to establish an Almshouse – this was situated at the corner of Cathedral Street and the High Street, more or less under part of the Barony Hall of Strathclyde University. At first the Trades House and Incorporated Crafts held their meetings there or in Tron St Mary’s Church but sometimes in public houses or the accommodation then known as the Laigh Session House of the Cathedral.
Towards the end of the 18th Century however, they decided that while a meeting hall was still required, greater good could be more widely dispersed throughout Glasgow by closing the Almshouse and distributing what was then known as ‘outdoor relief’ to the poor. (The 18th century version of ‘Care in the Community’). Accordingly, in 1791 Scotland’s best known architect Robert Adam was instructed to build the present Hall.
The foundation stone was laid on 9th September, 1791 and the building was first used on Deacons’ Choosing Day in September 1794, at a time when the roof works were still incomplete. When Robert Adam died in 1792 his two younger brothers who were also his business partners, took responsibility for overseeing the building of the Hall. The façade of the Trades Hall is one of the finest of all Robert Adam’s designs originally comprising of a block of five bays with the emphasis on the central entranceway and outer bays.
Adam gave variety and movement through the different heights of the windows, the stepping forward of the end bays and the use of columns so that, as one observer commented ‘the building almost appears modelled in light and shade’. The Hall was originally built with small pavilions with pyramidical roofs at each end. In 1837-38, David Hamilton, who may actually have worked on the building in its first phase with the Adam partnerships, extended the South pavilion upwards (when building the saloon) and in 1888 James Sellars did the same as a fire escape from the new kitchen. (Hamilton built among other things, Hutchesons’ Hall and the former Stirling’s Library (now GOMA) and Sellars the Merchants’ Hall, Frasers in Buchanan Street and the St Andrew’s Halls.)
The main rooms on the tour include the Foyer, the Robert Adam Room, the saloon, the Grand Hall, the Deacon Convener’s Suite and the Museum. It is still the home to the 14 Incorporations of various trades such as Bakers, Barbers, Fleshers, Masons, Wrights, etc. The House is now the only Robert Adam building left in Glasgow and the oldest secular building still being used for its original purpose. The museum is now situated in what was the old schoolhouse.
Since the Trades Hall first opened its doors in 1794 it has operated as a public hall and it can be hired in whole or in part for a wide range of functions including conferences, meetings, dinners, dances, exhibitions and concerts. It is particularly popular for weddings.
Trades House is a charity focusing on both Educational Initiatives and supporting people in need. We give donations of more than £800,000 annually to deserving causes and individuals.
To achieve this, we have built strong relationships with establishments from nurseries to universities working to motivate and assist those in learning from pre-schoolers to apprentices. We also work closely with third sector groups to ensure the donations and funds we distribute are given to worthwhile causes and the individuals that will benefit the most.
Scottish Charity number SCO40548