Modernist Scotland explores the country’s impressive legacy of contemporary architecture

A new book, Modernist Scotland, delves into the art and ambitions of the International Style in post-war Scotland, presenting 150 projects that typify an age of optimism and innovation.

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Modernist Scotland, Bruce Peters
Modernist Scotland, Bruce Peters
(Image credit: The Modernist)

Peruse the shelves of any design or architecture-focused bookshop and it becomes rapidly apparent that the modernist nostalgia industry remains in full force. To add to a growing pile that includes such books as Brutal Scotland and the Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces, we now have Modernist Scotland, a new publication from The Modernist, written by Bruce Peter, a Professor of Design History at Glasgow School of Art.

Construction of Cumbernauld Town Centre, Cumbernauld Development Corporation, 1958-1967

Construction of Cumbernauld Town Centre, Cumbernauld Development Corporation, 1958-1967

(Image credit: The Modernist)

Edenside Group Practice Surgery, Kelso, Peter Womersley, 1965-67

Edenside Group Practice Surgery, Kelso, Peter Womersley, 1965-67

(Image credit: The Modernist)

Flick through the pages of Modernist Scotland

Modernist Scotland follows the playbook of these modernist architecture gazetteers in that it reveals little that’s already known yet puts it all together with confidence and aplomb to present a cohesive picture of a world and an ethos that many people are all too quick to dismiss.

The problem is one of image, and whilst both Brutalism and Modernism sell everything from monographs to tea towels and dinner plates, on the ground, the two don’t have anything like the same kind of good PR.

Renfrew Airport Terminal, 1951-1953

Renfrew Airport Terminal, Rowand Anderson, Kinimonth & Paul, 1951-1953

(Image credit: The Modernist)

Badenoch Hotel, a disfiguring sight in Aviemore courtesy of the corrupt architect John Poulson, 1963-1966

Badenoch Hotel, a disfiguring sight in Aviemore courtesy of the corrupt architect John Poulson, 1963-1966

(Image credit: The Modernist)

Is that changing? For some, Scotland is the ultimate case study of good intentions gone wrong, as great swathes of social housing, along with dedicated New Towns and associated infrastructure, singularly failed to live up to their utopian promise. In many respects, they became the precise inverse, due to neglect, poor management, and a losing battle with the elements.

There were also occasional bouts of wrongheadedness, arrogance and even naked corruption, none of which did contemporary design any favours.

Lauriestone Bar, Glasgow, 1963-1964

The Lauriestone Bar, Bridge Street, Glasgow, Eason & Jardine, 1963-1964

(Image credit: The Modernist)

The Horn, near Errol, 1973

The Horn, near Errol, D Jeffrey, A&J Stephen Ltd (builders), 1973

(Image credit: The Modernist)

But in these more straitened times, dismissing the grit from the Utopian oyster is a luxury no one can afford. Thanks to books like Modernist Scotland, we now look back with envy at the scope of the state’s benevolence, marvel at the ingenuity, craft and innovation on display, even if it didn’t all work out as planned.

Gala Fairydean Football Stadium, 1963-1965

Gala Fairydean Football Stadium, Nether Road, Galashiels, Peter Wormersley, Joseph Blackburn and Tom Ridley of Ove Arup & Partners, 1963-1965

(Image credit: The Modernist)

Monklands Leisure Centre, 1975-1977

Monklands Leisure Centre, Bank Street, Coatbridge, Peter Wormersley wth Steensen, Varming and Mulcahy, Structural Engineers, 1975-1977

(Image credit: The Modernist)

These are not all public works – private houses, churches, and HQs are all represented in the book’s 416 pages. With over 150 featured buildings, Peter gives an authoritative history of Scottish post-war regeneration, the influences and aspirations, along with a mix of contemporary and archive imagery.

Barrowland Ballroom, Gratton & McLean

Barrowland Ballroom, Gallowgate, Glasgow, Thomas Oswald White Gratton adn Peter McLean of Gratton & McLean, 1959-1960

(Image credit: The Modernist)

Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, GIllespie, Kidd & Coia

Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, Craigpark, Glasgow, Andrew MacMillan and Isi Metzstein of GIllespie, Kidd & Coia, 1964-1965

(Image credit: The Modernist)

With design by Smallprint Studio that channels the colours of the Scottish flag into the iconic signage of the British motorway design system, this elegant monograph is a must for lovers of modernist history.

‘I hope the title can help develop a newfound sense of appreciation for modernism and its design principles,’ Peter says, ‘Too many of these buildings are currently neglected and in desperate need of sympathetic renovation. Hopefully, the book will draw some much-needed attention to their significance.’

Modernist Scotland pin padge

Modernist Scotland pin padge

(Image credit: The Modernist)

Modernist Scotland, Bruce Peter, The Modernist, £48, The-Modernist.org

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Jonathan Bell

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.