Let’s go to the late 1890’s next and back to the remarkable series of photographs taken by early photographer David Ritchie. Queen Victoria was still on the throne when these two Blantyre lassies were photographed, a held up bedspread providing a more pleasing backdrop. That may just be a hand at the top left! These […]
These little Blantyre faces are Lizzie, James and Minnie Ritchie. A photo as clear as can be but remarkably was taken in 1896, some 124 years ago! Their father was David Ritchie, a master joiner and likely the person who took the photo. Their mother was Mary Ann Fleming. The parents married in Strathaven in […]
Warnock & Walker – were also known as Warnock, Walker & Co (Contractors). This was a former late 19th Century joinery business at High Blantyre formed in 1877. In July 1877, they were advertising for workers in their mill. According to Naismith’s Directory of 1879, it comprised of two formidable skilled tradesmen, namely Mr David […]
This wee Blantyre lassie is Miss. Jessie Warnock Ritchie and the photo was taken in 1898, around 122 years ago! I’ve been looking at her early life. Jessie was born on 11th October, 1896 at School Lane, High Blantyre. The daughter of David Ritchie, once a travelling joiner and Mary Ann Fleming (married in Strathaven 7th […]
Its the 25th January, which means one thing in Scotland and beyond…. It’s Burns Day, a time to celebrate the work of Scotland’s most famous poet. I have a nice fitting photo for you which of course, does have a Blantyre connection. This photo shows Rabbie Burn’s cottage in Ayrshire, a long established tourist attraction. […]
I hope you like this photo. Previously unseen online it was taken around 1900 right on the Blantyre Parish Boundary. A group of late Victorian figures stand, finely dressed on the banks of the river which would eventually become the Lido. This was a time before trams. No tram standards on the bridge yet and […]
This lovely, previously unseen photo from my collection shows the brand new houses built on Broompark Avenue. Photographed here in 1908 or so, they were constructed around 2 years earlier by William Burnett. Obtaining the land from the Jacksons of Croftfoot on 1st November 1905, William Burnett planned on constructing an avenue with good quality […]