Looking Back at the Old Fairfield
Workers clocking off at Fairfield circa 1909
As we look forward to Doors Open Days Festival from 16-18th September — details at the end of this article — we thought now would be an appropriate time to look back at the history of our home at Fairfield in Govan, Glasgow.
The Fairfield Building
Our studio is situated within the Fairfield building, pictured below. Constructed between 1889-91 as the offices of the Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Company, this imposing red sandstone building was designed by renowned Glasgow architects Honeyman and Keppie, with help from a young Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Not-so Humble Beginnings
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Glasgow was known as the “Second City of the Empire”, due to its industrial might and the wealth that followed. At that time, the Clyde was arguably the most important shipbuilding centre of the world, being responsible for up to 20% of the world’s ships.
Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Company Ltd
The largest shipbuilder on the Clyde was Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Company Ltd, hence such a grandiose office building. This company revolutionised sea transportation, building the fastest and biggest vessels ever produced, and creating many world firsts — including the compound steam engine.
Workers in the Fairfield shipyard
Decline and Restoration
As the shipbuilding industry collapsed, the Fairfield building eventually fell into disrepair. Govan Workspace, a community-led organisation, rescued the building from dereliction in the 2009. The renovated building is now host to a museum celebrating Clyde-side industry, as well as offices — including our own studio.
Pictured below is a snapshot of our studio circa 1909, when it was used as the drawing office for Fairfield’s Shipyard. A lot has changed since then, but we’re proud to be continuing in the tradition of quality design at Fairfield's.
You can visit Fairfield Heritage and check out our studio during Doors Open Days Festival 2022 — Scotland’s largest free festival, celebrating heritage and the built environment. All the details can be found here.
Images courtesy of Fairfield Heritage - information on hours, visiting etc.
