The spectacular looking former Templeton carpet factory on Glasgow Green is regarded as one of the finest brick edifices in the city, if not all of Scotland, and, without prior knowledge, few would guess it was once a textiles plant.
Built in 1892 by Glasgow firm James Templeton and Son, for the manufacture of Templeton's patented spool Axminster carpets, the textiles plant was modelled on Venice’s Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), the former seat of the Venetian government and a bona fide symbol of the Italian city.
Comprising brick, glass mosaic and terracotta, the Templeton factory's elaborate façade delicately hints at the oriental dyed wares that were manufactured within.
