Christmases Past in Stirling

As we approach the Christmas holidays, we thought we’d take a festive trip back in time through The Smith Art Gallery and Museum’s amazing photography collection. So, coorie in, grab a cup of something warm, and enjoy these wintery time capsules.

Wallace Monument

A scenic view of The Wallace Monument and Lovers Lane covered in snow, photographed by Sargeant W McKenzie in 1880. The Monument, designed by J.T. Rochhead, was first opened to the public in 1869.

Image courtesy of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum

Patience

Entitled ‘Patience’, this photograph was taken by Stirling artist Arthur DS MacPherson (1910-2009) It shows a group of well wrapped-up people waiting on the bus in a snowstorm in 1905.

Image courtesy of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum

Stirling, The old bridge, more than five hundred years old

A beautiful image of the iconic Stirling Old Bridge, which was built in the 15^th or 16^th century, covered in snow, taken by Arthur DS Macpherson in 1905. The Bridge is an outstanding example of a Scottish medieval masonry arched bridge.

Image courtesy of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum

Black Boy Fountain & Christie Clock, Melville Terrace

A wintery postcard capturing Glasgow Road and the Christie Memorial Clock Tower, gifted to Stirling by the widow of former Provost George Christie (1826 – 1903), taken by an unknown photographer in 1920. Stirling City Heritage Trust supported restoration of the clock in 2006 with grant funding.

Image courtesy of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum

Sand and Salt

Sand being shovelled on Stirling’s icy streets, it’s a hilly city, so before the likes of Sir Andy Flurry, Mary Queen of Salt and William Wall-ice took to gritting the roads of Scotland these folks were doing a vital job. Bannockburn Mills can be seen in the background. Photo taken by Thomas Mackenzie Smith in 1954.

Image courtesy of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum

A grim day in Maxwell Place

‘A Grim Day in Maxwell Place’, despite heavy snowfall the streets of Stirling are bustling with people and cars. Taken by Arthur DS MacPherson in 1960.

Image courtesy of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum

Christmas lights

King Street all decked out in Christmas lights, The Golden Lion Hotel, which opened in 1786, can be seen on the right. This photograph was taken by John Wilson in the 1960s, we’re so glad he captured this moment in time.

Image courtesy of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum