The Songs

Historical Background:

The historical background to this section has been richly informed by A. Graham Lappin to whom a debt of gratitude is acknowledged by the curator.

Central Glasgow (The Broomielaw) c1830 The funnel liveries suggest the vessels of at least three companies are depicted.

The Clyde estuary had poor internal communications and many of its settlements relied on water transport. The sheltered waters are well suited to paddle ships and it became the most important centre of steamboat construction.