Galbraith and Winton

MESSRS. GALBRAITH & WINTON, General Marble Contractors for Decorative & Constructive Work ; also Contractors for Tiles & Mosaics, 129, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. Works—48, Kelvin Street.

    ’Tis sixty years since the business carried on under the title of Galbraith and Winton, general marble contractors, was established in Glasgow. During that considerable period the concern has steadily developed, and now its importance is such that it has few compeers anywhere. The pre-eminent position the firm have attained, the resources at their command, and the artistic quality of their work have resulted in their being entrusted with some of the most important contracts which have been given out in the West of Scotland and elsewhere during at least two generations.

    But the firm are to be complimented on the fact that they secured the contract for all the marble work at the Glasgow Municipal Buildings. These Buildings constitute one of the noblest piles erected in modern times, but splendidly appointed as they are in all respects, it will probably be conceded that the work in marble and alabaster, wherewith they are adorned, is their chief glory. This work was executed by Messrs. Galbraith and Winton. It remains — and doubtless for generations to come will remain — a credit to the city of Glasgow and a memorial of the firm’s skill and enterprise. Especially do these remarks apply to the Banqueting Hall staircase, executed in marbles and alabaster. This staircase is palatial in design and, as executed by the firm under notice, simply magnificent. Probably there are few, if any, in this country which can vie with it. The stair and dais are of veined marble, while the balusters and wall-panels are of alabaster. The combination is rich and impressive beyond description.

    But elsewhere in the Buildings Messrs. Galbraith and Winton did some notable work. For the floors Sicilian, Numidian, and Belgian Black marbles and Ceramic Mosaic were used ; for the Council stair, hand-rail, dais, etc., Brescia marble ; and, for the arches, alabaster. Contemplating the artistic beauty and grandeur of Messrs. Galbraith and Winton’s work, one is inclined to envy the Glasgow City Councillors, who, in the palatial municipal buildings, may be said to dwell in marble halls. Now it stands to reason that a firm which can satisfactorily complete a contract so exacting and important can do anything as marble contractors ; so it would be superfluous to say anything further respecting their capabilities in this line.

    It may, however, be mentioned that one of their specialities is the marble panelling of steamship saloons. In respect thereof they do a very considerable trade, their connection including some of the leading steamship lines. Besides the constructive and decorative work in marbles and alabaster noted, the firm are also contractors for Ceramic, marble, and glass mosaics and tiles for floors, walls, and ceilings. The principal marbles they make use of come from Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, and Africa ; the alabaster from Derby, and the slate from Wales and Portugal. The marbles are imported direct from the quarries, and come to the works in blocks ranging from five to fifteen tons each.

    The firm’s showrooms, warehouse, and offices are situated at 129, St. Vincent Street, and extend about one hundred feet to the rear. The works, where turning, sawing, and polishing by steam power are carried on, are at 48, Kelvin Street. They comprise a large two-storey building. On the ground floor are two engines for driving saws, etc., two rubbing floats for grinding purposes, two frame saws for cutting the blocks of marble into slabs of the required thickness, two rubbing discs for dressing baths, wash-hand basins, etc., and two vertical saws for cutting out basins ; also a labour-saving machine for working mouldings, a machine for making marble tiles, and a pneumatic machine for cutting sinkings. On this same floor are the masons’ shop, the slate store, and the drawing office. The second floor is mainly occupied by the polishing and finishing departments. Here we find water of Ayr stone is used for “skinning” the marble, whereby it is prepared for polishing. The mechanical appliances here comprise a vertical machine for boring, two polishing machines, and a turning machine. The heavy slabs are raised to, and lowered from, the upper storey by means of a hoist. The outbuildings include the stables and a store for tiles.

    From what has been stated it must be obvious that the business carried on by the firm is one of the first importance, and that the quality of their work is unsurpassed. This latter fact was made manifest at the Edinburgh Exhibition of 1886, when Messrs. Galbraith and Winton were awarded a gold medal.

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