Renfield Street is steeped in over 200 years of urban and cultural history. It was laid out in the early 19th century as part of the development of the Blythswood Estate, a major urban planning initiative that helped shape the modern grid of central Glasgow.
Named after the Renfield estate near Renfrew by Archibald Campbell of Blythswood, the street was intended to serve both residential and commercial purposes, though its sloping terrain meant it was less suited to retail than some of its flatter neighbouring streets.
Over time, Renfield Street evolved into a vibrant thoroughfare closely tied to Glasgow's reputation as a hub for entertainment and nightlife. During the early 20th century the street truly flourished as a centre for entertainment, with venues like Cranston’s Picture House and the Pavilion Theatre opening their doors. Perhaps the best known of all was Green’s Playhouse, later known as The Apollo—a legendary concert venue that hosted the likes of David Bowie, AC/DC, and The Rolling Stones before its closure and demolition in the late 1980s.
Here are 11 old photographs of one of Glasgow’s most famous streets.
1. Union Corner
The view down Renfield Street to Union Corner and the famous Irn Bru advertisement and Bell's sign. | Vinegar Tom (Flickr)
2. Renfield Street
Standing on the corner of Renfield Street and St Vincent Street back in 1958. | Ian Semple
3. The Apollo
The Apollo on Renfield Street was Scotland’s leading music venue where some of the biggest and most recognisable names in the business performed during the 1970s and 1980s. | Glasgow Eyese
4. Renfield Street
Greens Playhouse and The Pavilion pictured on Renfield Street. | Urban Glasgow