This photochrom print of Glasgow Bridge seized my imagination. I’ve never been to visit Scotland—-though I’d like to one day!

This is the Glasgow Bridge, also called the Jamaica Bridge, as it sits at the  foot of Jamaica Street. The print was made the first year the bridge was open.

LOC   

I looked up Glasgow Bridge, imagining this bridge is the main one in the city. Not so! Glasgow has a lot of bridges spanning the River Clyde which runs through the city. So many, in fact, I couldn’t find a definitive count of how many exist.  One site said there are 21 bridges total in Glasgow, another site covers the 22 best bridges in Glasgow. So I’m not sure how many bridges there are. Maybe one of our friends in Scotland can clarify for us!

Wikimedia

Crow Canyon Journal

The current bridge was opened in 1899. According to theglasgowstory.com, The current bridge replaced a seven-arch bridge that opened in 1836. At the time, the traffic measured in one week amounted to 20,826 pedestrians, 253 horse-riders, 160 carriages, 634 carts, and 166 wheelbarrows!

When the bridge could no longer support the traffic, a new bridge was constructed and opened in 1899. The residents of Glasgow loved their old bridge so the 1899 bridge recovered and incorporated the granite facings, balustrades, and copestones into the new structure.

Jamaica Street Bridge looking north, 1905:

theglasgowstory.com

When I think of bridges, I think of Portland, Oregon. I have visited Portland and seen a few of their beautiful bridges.  My friend AB, who is a wonderful artist, painted this piece showcasing Portland’s twelve bridges with a sci-fi twist, specifically for the Peculiarium museum! Its title is Bridgetown Space Invaders.

Bridgetown Space Invaders

AB is well known for her exquisite botanical work so this sci-fi themed picture represents a completely new realm! You can see more of her work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/abdrawstheline