Hay’s Music Store – Stirling
It would take a book to assess and appreciate the effect of Hay’s Music Store on the cultural life of Stirling over the generations. Before its closure in 1996, the Store was in Friar Street, but previous locations were in Barnton Street and Murray Place. The Hay family served and
Emily Wilding Davison
This rare copy of the suffragette newspaper, 13 June 1913, is a recent gift to the Stirling Smith collections by librarian and Bridge of Allan historian, Malcolm Allan. It describes the tragic circumstances of the death of Emily Wilding Davison, who died under the hooves of the King’s horse at
Greer and Graham
The prestigious Kelvingrove Children’s Art Competition has been running since 1904. Open to young people between the ages of 3 and 18, it generates excitement every year. Shown here, wearing her Denny High School uniform is 16 year old Greer Ralston with the drawing which won her the Gold Medal
Glorious Glass
This window is one of two in a private billiard hall building in Stirling and is the distinctive work of the stained glass designer, John C Hall. Born in Glasgow in 1867 Hall attended classes at Glasgow School of Art in the early 1890s before launching out as an independent
Dunblane in 1887
This watercolour by artist John Bell shows a rural Dunblane of 1887. It is a recent purchase for the Stirling Smith collections courtesy of Dr Robin Campbell and the Stirling Common Good Fund. Not much is known about the artist. There are some works by him in York Museum collections
Ming Dynasty Cup, Chinese New Year, Stirling
Ming Cup The Year of the Rooster 2017 is now well underway. It was brought to Stirling by a huge Chinese dragon, dancing to the delight of the crowds at the Albert Hall, followed by a night of spectacular performances of Chinese song, music, dance, gymnastics and magic. This was
Municipal buildings, Stirling
Places change their geographical focus through time. For most of the twentieth century, Corn Exchange was the commercial, literary, ceremonial and municipal centre of Stirling. Shown here is a royal visit at the Municipal Buildings in 1929. The Municipal Buildings were opened less than 100 years ago in 1918, joining
Celebrating Robert Burns in Stirling
Stirling has always celebrated the work of Robert Burns, from the time of his visit in 1787 when he stayed at Wingate’s Inn (now the Golden Lion Hotel). For many years, 27 August, the day Burns dined with Dr David Doig of Stirling Grammar School and Lieutenant Forrester of the
The Barras Yet
The Barras Yet or Burgh Gate in the Port Street / Dumbarton Road area was the main entry into Stirling for at least 300 years. Demolished in the 1770s, it was the place where customs were collected and criminals were formally drummed out of the town. There are frequent references
Stirling Soroptimists
The sterling silver President’s chain and badge of office of the Soroptimist International of Stirling Club 1959 -2016 was one of many fine gifts to the Stirling Smith collections last year. It is always sad when a long – running organisation ceases to function, but the Smith looks after the