Joiners by Stephen Adam, c 1878, one of a series of stained glass windows made for Maryhill Burgh Halls depicting local trades and professions. This window shows two joiners in their workshop. One is at work planing a piece of timber on the workbench, while the other is carrying a plank and has a basket of tools slung across his shoulder.
By the 18th century there was an acute shortage of timber in Scotland, and large quantities were imported from the Baltic and North America. The opening of the Forth and Clyde Canal allowed the easy transportation of Baltic timber from the east coast to Glasgow and encouraged the growth of woodworking trades. Joinery was one of the commonest of these trades, often carried out in small workshops erected in tenement backcourts or wynds.
Reference: 621.86.37
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
carpenters, carpentry, Forth and Clyde Canal, joiners, joinery, Maryhill Burgh Halls, stained glass windows, timber, woodworking, woodworking tools, workshops