Glasgow memories: Flowers and fancy motors just some of Kelvin Hall highlights

Currently closed, but in non-Covid times home to exhibitions, a health and fitness club and the National Library of Scotland’s moving image archive, the historic building has been a barrage balloon factory during the war, host of the Christmas circus and the carnival and a transport museum since it opened in 1927.

In March 1958, Glasgow Corporation – in a very forward-thinking move – set up miniature roads inside the hall for children to be tested in national cycling proficiency. (Not entirely sure the child road casualty figures printed on the wall was exactly the right motivation, however…)

The 1958 cycling proficiency test centre inside the Kelvin Hall. Pic: Herald and Times

The Glasgow venue became the leading area in Britain for putting young people through the test – a whopping 7000 passed that year in the city alone.

In 1965, vehicles of a different variety took centre stage, when the 1965 Scottish Motor Show welcomed cars of all shapes, sizes and prices. The Evening Times reported that a total of nine Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows, five Series T Bentleys, and three Aston Martin DB6s were bought by wealthy customers attending the event.

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In August 1939, war clouds were gathering on the horizon but some aspects of city life continued as normal.

The 20th annual show of the Scottish National Sweet Pea, Rose, and Carnation Society was in full bloom at the Kelvin Hall.

The 20th Annual Scottish National Sweet Pea, Rose, and Carnation Society show, 1939. Pic: Herald and Times

There were more than 1000 entries, slightly down on previous years. (Nothing to do with impending war, it was simply because of April’s cold snap....)