Harris artist wowing guests at Glasgow arts hotel 23/11/11
A new luxury arts hotel in the heart of Glasgow is wowing guests with its striking images of Lewis and Harris.
Grasshoppers Glasgow, a new penthouse hotel overlooking the city’s Central Station, is showcasing works by former Buzzcocks drummer John Maher, now a Harris based photographer – one of a series of artists promoted by the hotel.
Maher became a hit with guests after Grasshoppers owner Barrie Munn invited him to showcase his work in the hotel.
Three of Maher’s night time images adorn the hotel’s corridor walls – two of ruined Sheilings at Cuishader, Ness on Lewis, and another of a derelict stone house in Manish, Harris.
Hotelier Barrie Munn said: “It’s fitting that we should showcase artists from across the country at Grasshoppers because Glasgow is very much a gateway to the rest of Scotland, and has such a strong affinity with the Western Isles. We have an opportunity to promote Scottish artistic talent to guests from across the UK, Europe and beyond.
“Our art displays have become something of a talking point for guests, particularly
John’s stunning night-
Maher himself recently stayed as a guest at the hotel.
He said: “I think it’s wonderful that a hotel in the centre of Glasgow is choosing to showcase images of Lewis and Harris to its UK and international clientele. I was delighted when they asked if I would like to display some of my prints at Grasshoppers.
“It’s great exposure for the Western Isles. Having stayed at Grasshoppers myself, it’s good to see a Scottish hotel showcasing Scottish art in a way that reaches such a diverse audience.”
The 30 bedroom boutique hotel is located on the sixth floor of the city’s historic Caledonian Chambers building, overlooking Central Station, built by celebrated Glasgow architect James Miller, the visionary behind many of Glasgow’s best loved buildings.
The derelict top floor of the building was painstakingly refurbished and transformed into a £1.25 million boutique hotel, in a joint venture with Network Rail.