Glasgow’s George Hotel existed for 162 years, during which time it proved popular with stars of stage and screen as well as other rich and famous personalities of the times. For example, before leaving for fame and fortune in Hollywood 16 year old Arthur Stanley Jefferson, later better known as Stan Laurel, took up residency during his debut stage run at the nearby Britannia Panopticon theatre.

Even during its darker latter years of decline and neglect the George continued to serve celebrity culture, despite acting as a shelter for lost souls and the homeless, allowing its raw faded grandeur to be used by the creative industries. They were lured by its distressed yet ornate décor and unique atmosphere, utilising the rooms and corridors for numerous fashion shoots and music videos.

Trainspotting, the iconic British film of the mid-90s, was partly filmed at the George, doubling as a seedy London location. In particular room 5, a circular bedroom with an ornate cornice, was used as the rendezvous point for a notorious drug deal scene and its violent aftermath.

Sadly, soon afterwards, Glasgow City Council granted permission for the demolition of the George in order to construct some new units for retail chains, including Europe’s largest Virgin Megastore (later to become Zavvi.co.uk). The hotel was demolished during 1998-99, with only some elements of the original façade retained.

The photographs in this book were taken in April 1998.