THE TENEMENT HOUSE

Acquired by the National Trust for Scotland in 1982, The Tenement House has a special place in the hearts of generations of Glaswegians who have fond memories of tenement dwelling in their childhood, youth and adult life. Completed in 1892, this elegantly restored sandstone building is in pristine condition externally and internally and the first floor apartment which houses the museum is a treasure trove of 19th century splendour, having retained its original period features and character.

Previously owned by shorthand typist, Miss Agnes Toward for over 50 years, The Tenement House is a magnificent 'time capsule', depicting an authentic image of what home life was like during the early 20th Century. A large number of Miss Toward's household possessions have been retained including a gas-lit parlour and beautifully restored and polished rosewood piano, capturing the essence of the era.

Listen to the tick-tock of the grandfather clock in the hallway and marvel at the kitchen range that was once the most commonly used cooking appliance throughout Scotland. Other eye-catching period features are the bed recesses as opposed to bedrooms, equally serving its purpose as a comfortable sleeping quarter, depending on the size of the household.

The Tenement House allows visitors to step back in time to an important period of Glasgow's social history and is testimony to Glasgow's rich industrial heritage and economic and demographic growth of the city at the turn of the 20th Century. Guided tours of the Tenement House are available, courtesy of informative staff who live to tell the tale of life in Glasgow's tenements during the early and mid 20th Century and even today.

See what it meant to be an ‘independent woman’ in the first half of the 20th century; experience how ordinary folk lived, and appreciate how many of the household appliances we now take for granted were considered luxuries less than a century ago. It is truly inspiring. Authentic gas lighting has been installed to recreate the atmosphere of the house, which didn’t have electric lighting until 1960. An exhibition on the ground floor makes the most of Miss Toward’s extensive personal archive, providing a valuable time capsule for visitors today. The museum is within short walking distance from Glasgow City Centre and close to Cowcaddens Underground Station.