Background

Former Templeton Carpet Factory, Glasgow

A Venetian Gothic masterpiece in Glasgow’s East End, blending rich carpet-making heritage with vibrant modern community life.

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The Former Templeton Carpet Factory, located at 62 Templeton St in Glasgow, is a striking Victorian-era building renowned for its Venetian Gothic architecture inspired by Venice’s Doge’s Palace. Built in 1892 as a carpet factory for James Templeton & Co, it played a pivotal role in Glasgow’s textile industry. Today, it is a vibrant mixed-use site featuring apartments, offices, and the popular WEST brewery, retaining its historic charm and community spirit.

A brief summary to Former Templeton Carpet Factory

  • 62 Templeton St, Glasgow, G40 1DA, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Explore the intricate Venetian Gothic façade inspired by Venice’s Doge’s Palace, a unique architectural highlight in Glasgow.
  • Visit the WEST brewery on the ground floor to experience the building’s lively social atmosphere and sample local craft beers.
  • Take a moment to reflect on the memorials commemorating the 29 women workers who tragically lost their lives during construction.
  • Admire the history of carpet weaving artistry that once flourished here, visible in the building’s decorative brickwork and design motifs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the Glasgow Subway to Bridgeton station, approximately 1.5 km from the site, followed by a 20-minute walk along accessible urban paths. Subway tickets cost around £1.50–£2.50 depending on ticket type.

  • Bus

    Multiple bus routes serve the area, including routes 57 and 75 from Glasgow city centre, with a 15–25 minute journey. Buses run frequently during the day, and a single fare costs about £2.50.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    A taxi or rideshare from Glasgow city centre takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically ranging from £7 to £12.

  • Walking

    From Glasgow Green, the site is a 15-minute walk along flat, paved paths suitable for most visitors, including wheelchair users.

Former Templeton Carpet Factory location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Former Templeton Carpet Factory

Architectural Grandeur Inspired by Venice

The Former Templeton Carpet Factory stands as a bold testament to Victorian industrial architecture, designed by William Leiper and completed in 1892. Its façade, modeled after the Doge’s Palace in Venice, features Glasgow’s signature red sandstone complemented by decorative yellow and black bricks, round windows, and turrets. This Venetian Gothic style was deliberately chosen to impress Glasgow Corporation and secure approval for the factory’s construction, resulting in a building that is both grand and distinctive in Glasgow’s East End.

A Legacy of Carpet Manufacturing Excellence

Originally built for James Templeton & Co, a leading carpet manufacturer established in 1839, the factory specialized in producing intricate Axminster carpets using a patented tufting process. Templeton carpets were celebrated for their artistry, featuring complex patterns like Glasgow’s coat of arms, trees of knowledge, and paisley designs. The factory was a powerhouse of textile innovation and craftsmanship, employing thousands and contributing significantly to Glasgow’s industrial heritage.

Tragedy and Remembrance

The factory’s history is marked by tragedy, including the 1889 collapse of a partially completed façade during construction, which killed 29 women workers, and a fatal fire in 1900. These events are commemorated by a female statue atop the façade and a memorial garden nearby. The stories of these workers are an integral part of the building’s narrative, reflecting the human cost behind its industrial success.

Transformation into a Lifestyle Village

After carpet manufacturing ceased, the building underwent a major regeneration in 2005, transforming into a mixed-use lifestyle village. It now houses 143 apartments, office spaces including Sportscotland and creative studios, and the WEST brewery, bar, and restaurant. This adaptive reuse preserves the building’s historic character while fostering a vibrant community hub that blends heritage with modern living.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

Beyond its industrial past, the Templeton building is admired for its artistic contributions, inspiring contemporary artworks and serving as a symbol of Glasgow’s rich weaving tradition. The colorful patterns once woven inside continue to echo in the building’s lively atmosphere today, inviting visitors to appreciate the intersection of craftsmanship, history, and community.

Enduring Community Spirit

Unlike many industrial relics converted solely into offices, Templeton on the Green maintains a welcoming spirit of comfort and leisure. Its current incarnation as a residential and social space, anchored by the popular WEST brewery, encourages connection and relaxation, reflecting a legacy that values both work and well-being in Glasgow’s East End.

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