Pickard's Papers project. Britannia Panopticon Music Hall Trust / University of Glasgow / Heritage Lottery Fund
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Letter from Fred Wilkins & Brother, Theatrical Furnishers
Letter from the United Irish League of Great Britain
Letter from Mike Joggy, The Marvellous Burmese Magician
Letter from Thos Nisbet, Office of Public Works, Glasgow City Chambers
Britannia Panopticon contract signed by Ida Campbell
Letter from Brough & MacLaren Solicitors
Letter from George Watson & Son, Manufacturing Stationers, Printers, & Bookbinders
Letter from the Register of Joint Stock Companies
Back of letter from the Register of Joint Stock Companies
Letter from the Society of St Vincent De Paul
Letter from Mons. Diavolo the Fire Demon
Letter from Rotunda Skating Rink Limited
Letter from David Allen & Sons Ltd, Pictorial Placard Printers
Back of letter from John Rankin with handwritten note
Back of notice from Besson & Co Ltd with handwritten note
Letter from John Lewis / The Donaldson Lithograph Co
Letter from Consol Automatic Aerators Limited
Letter from A & A Crawford, Wholesale Whisky and Wine Merchants
Letter from the Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department
Letter from The Automobile Association and Motor Union
Letter from George Mason, Licensed Valuator & Business Agent
Letter from The Scottish Adhesive Company
Letter from John Lewis/The Donaldson Lithograph Co
Postcard from John Horn Ltd, Commercial Printers, Lithographers & Stationers
Letter from The Variety Artistes Federation
Letter from The Dangerfield Printing Company Limited
Telegram from the Uniform and Equipment Co
Letter from A & A Crawford Wholesale Whisky & Wine Merchants
Letter from The Scottish Catholic Printing Company Limited
List of specifications from The Gaumont Co Ltd and handwritten notes
Credit note from John Walker & Sons Limited, and stamped by Gordon and Blair Ltd
Letter from Thomas Lawrie & Co, Decorators
Back of letter from Thomas Lawrie & Co, Decorators
Letter from Ebenezer Calder, Manufacturer of Venetian Wire, Gauze, Cloth Blinds and Outside Sunshades
Letter from Leslie Kirk, Building Contractor
Catalogue of the Important Sale By Auction of All the Live Stock Forming The Scottish Zoo.
Two cover pages of auction catalogues (one blue, one orange) detailing the animals being sold at auction from The Scottish Zoo on New City Road, Glasgow. The catalogue cover states that the collection animals will be displayed during the auction, but also that they will continue performing up to day of sale.
The first page of the catalogue describes the conditions of sale for bidders purchasing animals in The Scottish Zoo auction. The conditions of sale are specific and require bidders to (among other things) agree to uplift the animals they buy by 5pm on the Thursday immediately after the sale. The second page of the catalogue provides a list of the animals being sold, including a wallaby kangaroo from Australia and a female Sambur deer from India. The latter is described as a very fine specimen, indicating the prestige the animal enjoys within The Scottish Zoo collection.
Continuation of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. The diverse variety of animals on sale and the descriptions which accompany them are indicative of not only the ambitious nature of the zoo when it was in operation but also the practices it engaged in for entertainment purposes, some of which are problematic from a contemporary viewpoint. The Boomer Kangaroo on sale, for example, is described as having been trained to box, suggesting that the zoo did not conform to particularly high animal welfare standards.
Continuation of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. Particularly notable is the mention of a female Chimpanzee who carries the following lofty description: One of the best animals ever seen in this country. Very hardy and a source of endless amusement to visitors.
Continuation of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. Particularly notable is the mention of the Australian Gin Gin Bird, who, according to the catalogues author is one of the finest whistlers ever heard. This statement is substantiated by the claim that the Gin Gin Bird whistles perfectly, “Yankee Doodle,” “Ill Be Your Sweetheart,” and many others”.
Last page of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. As with the other pages of the catalogue there is a significant amount of scrawled handwriting which seems to pertain to the certain animals the writer wishes to purchase. Particularly telling of the writers intent is the mathematical sum at the bottom-right of the first page which appears to total the amount of money needed for all purchases. Also present in this item are two photographs of caged animals (possibly lions); presumably pictures of the animals available for sale.
Ticket admitting the owner entry to the auction of the animals comprising The Scottish Zoo. The ticket states that a refund of the ticket price (2/6) will be given to those who purchase animals, perhaps an incentive designed to encourage bidding.
Short article describing the brief life of Dick the Gorilla who, after being removed from Africa and brought to the Regents Park zoo in London by the African explorer Dr. Ansorge, found the new climate uninhabitable and died from influenza. The article states that Dick was the sixth gorilla to have died after being brought to Regents Park.
Short article detailing a potentially fatal incident which occurred in the Bronx Zoo, whereupon a zoo keeper accidentally fell into the muscular grip of a boa constrictor snake. The article describes how 15 men were required to remove the man from the clutches of the snake and that ultimately the man emerged from the incident alive but in a terribly exhausted condition.
Cartoon of two baboons reading newspapers and an accompanying caption. The piece is entitled The Rights of the Worker and is presumably a satirical comment on the rights of the working classes to a fair share of the profits they help turn over for companies. The text at the very bottom of the cartoon comments on the supposedly overheard dialogue between the two newspaper-reading baboons, stating that the discovery of potentially lucrative work for baboons has caused considerable excitement in Simian circles.
Short article from the Evening Citizen describing the voyage of the biggest consignment of live alligators ever shipped across the Atlantic. According to a wireless message received from the ship the animals were travelling on (the Minnetonka), all the alligators were faring well and none [were] sea sick. The article states that that the cargo was comprised of 300 alligators, some up to 18 feet in length.
A letter addressed to the editor of the Glasgow News describing how a pet parrot, who has been in the readers family for 30 years, marked the occasion of its birthday by laying a nice white egg. The sender of the letter believes that this may be some sort of world record (presumably for the oldest parrot to lay an egg) and ends the letter by soliciting the help of the newspapers readers to establish whether it is or not.
Newspaper cutting/Letter to newspaper Editor
Short article detailing the peculiar case of an elephant who consumed vast quantities of stones, precisely 168 stones, weighing altogether 7lb. 13oz. The case was presented to the Zoological Society by Dr. A. Smith Woodward and the stones were found to be mostly quartzite. The article ends by stating that, while cases of this type are common with crocodiles, this seems to be the first recorded case of their occurrence in an elephant.
Drawing of 8 sailors presenting the rare oar-fish they caught, referring to the real-life capture of the fish which was caught near Dunbar. According to the pictures caption the fish measured 13 feet 10 inches in length. Judging from the drawing, the fish derives its name from its uncanny resemblance to a long rowing oar.
Article from the Daily Record and Mail detailing the acquisition of a new female chimpanzee for The Scottish Zoo. The article describes how the chimpanzee is intended to fill the shoes of the late Wee Macgreegor, a beloved creature who the writer laments as perhaps one of the most interesting of all the exhibits in the collection. The article culminates with its writer celebrating the the new monkeys apparent intelligence, referring to it as unquestionably one of the best illustrations of the Darwinian theory ever exhibited in this country.
Collection of photographs depicting the morning routine of Consul the wonderfully trained monkey, an attraction of Bostocks Jungle at the Earls Court Exhibition. The text at the bottom of the collection indicates what each photograph represents, for example, the first photograph shows Consul deciding to get out of bed while the fifth shows him lighting the first cigarette of the day.
Short article detailing Councillor Bostocks decision to close The Scottish Zoo and Hippodrome on New City Road, Glasgow, in order to make way for a brand new skating rink. According to the author the sport was apparently all the rage at the time and, as such, he/she predicts that the new facility will be readily welcomed by skating enthusiasts living in Glasgows West End.
Voice of the People. Both Sides of the Question.
A letter to the Editor of the Glasgow News protesting the plan to sell off the animals comprising The Scottish Zoo. The author suggests that some of the most well-loved animals be relocated to an area named the Rouken Glen which would be converted into a Zoological Garden where visitors could continue to enjoy the attractions offered by the zoo.
Article from the Evening Citizen providing a detailed account of the rejection of a motion, proposed at a meeting of the Glasgow Town Council, to have plans concerning a new Zoological Department to be remitted to the Parks Committee of the Corporation. The tone of the article seems broadly sympathetic to the cause of Councillor Galbraith, the person who proposed the motion, making clear that in no way was he asking the council commit themselves in any way, but merely to consider remitting the matter to the Parks committee for their consideration. The article describes how, after contentious deliberation over whether or not a fee for entry to the proposed attraction would be imposed, the motion was ultimately rejected by 29 votes to 9.
Article from the Evening Times supporting the decision of the Glasgow Town Council to reject the motion that the possibility of a zoological garden be considered and reported upon by the Parks Committee. Although the author states that there would have been no particular harm in passing the motion, he/she questions the appropriateness of such an expensive hobby during a time of implied economic hardship in Glasgow. They also point out that Glasgows climate would not be hospitable for animals in the way that the climates of continental cities which house zoos are. The writer then concludes that theoretically a municipal zoo is an excellent idea, but [owing to the factors outlined] the time is not yet.
Short rhyming poem in two stanzas entitled My Teddy Bear, which seems to be written from a childs perspective about their pet bear. The poem describes how the bear, once wild and free, is now a beloved pet. Though there is no date of the poems publication, due to its inclusion with articles and letters deliberating on a zoo for Glasgow, it would follow that the poem might be designed to highlight the strong affinity children have with animals and what a tragedy it would be if the rejection of a zoological garden in Glasgow deprived of them of such opportunities to enjoy the presence of animals.
Ticket for The Scottish Zoo designed to give the Children of Glasgow a chance to see the attraction before it FINALLY closes. By encouraging specifically the children of the city to see the zoo before its closure, the ticket reinforces the idea that the attraction was seen as a place of great social and educational benefit to Glasgows younger citizens.
Article taken from the Edinburgh Magazine concerning Glasgows opportunity to purchase the animals being sold by Mr. E. H. Bostock from his Scottish Zoo and form a zoological garden to showcase them. The article is very complimentary of Bostock, praising his generosity and his lineage; citing him as one in a distinguished line of entertainment caterers. Conversely, the article attacks the apparently substandard class of councillor at present in the city chambers and the reluctance of the Town Council to enrich Glasgows educational potential; the decision to reject the zoological garden being considered by the Parks Committee being offered as an illustrative example. The writer urges that this decision be reconsidered, stating that great is the shame attaching to our city council if the opportunity be passed over.
Lengthy article written by representative of the University of Glasgows Natural History Department decrying the Town Councils apparently hasty decision to dismiss plans concerning a zoological garden for Glasgow. The writer systematically addresses the concerns of the councillors in opposition to the proposal (Councillor Martin and Councillor Gibson especially), explaining why a zoological garden would be of tremendous benefit to the city as well as a financially feasible endeavour.
Photograph of a young girl in a garden sitting next to two lion cubs. The photograph is accompanied by some text which states that the cubs pictured are part of The Scottish Zoos collection of animals being auctioned on the 27th April, 1909.
Short article alerting readers as to the last day they will be able to visit The Scottish Zoo before it closes. The article describes how, much to the dismay of Glasgows citizens, the Town Council ultimately refused to purchase the animals for a proposed zoological garden. The article culminates with details of some special last-day attractions offered at the zoo, such as free cinematograph entertainment in the afternoon and evening in the Hippodrome.
Under the Hammer - The Last of Glasgows Zoo.
Article from the The Evening Times describing the events which took place at the auction of the animals comprising the Scottish Zoo. According to the author, the excitable atmosphere of the occasion seemed to register with the animals as well as the buyers; the collections snakes, for example exhibited a greater degree of animation than the visitor of the zoo was apt to witness in this section on ordinary occasions. A list of the animal dealers and circus proprietors present at the auction is given, as are many of the prices for which various animals were eventually sold.
Photograph of a zookeeper holding a small alligator. The text which accompanies the photograph asserts that the alligator is one of nine which the zookeeper has been able to train over a period of three months.
A drawing of several distinguished-looking men and women who, according to the drawings caption, represent the types at yesterdays sale (of the Scottish Zoo animals). Printed below the drawing is a charming poem written from the perspective of the zoos many animals. In the poem they express their regret that they will not see each other again after the auction, however, the rhyme culminates with a message of hope from the wallaby Kangaroo who tells the other animals, we shall meet again, I know, In some bright celestial Zoo!.
Collection of five photographs depicting the auction of the animals comprising The Scottish Zoo. The text below the photographs details the gentleman in the third photo from the top as Mr Wallace, the auctioneer, who is seen to be in the process of selling camels and dromedaries to a busy crowd of bidders. According to the text, the animals in the other photographs, including a tiger and an elephant, were sold for the highest prices owing to their status as principal animals within the collection.
A Glasgow Zoo. Promising Movement Begun.
Short article from the Glasgow News alerting readers to the fact that a committee tasked with the planning of a zoological garden in the city is in the process of being formed, with the support of several influential gentleman and strong financial backing. The tone of the article is extremely optimistic, describing the projects realisation as practically assured.
Short article from the Evening Citizen describing the arrival of a rare monkey named the white-nosed saki at the Berlin Zoological Garden. The article describes the physical appearance and attributes of the monkey, while noting that the animal is probably the first living example to reach Germany. An article such as this, which details the happenings of a zoo in as far-removed a country from Scotland as Germany, highlights the level of interest and curiosity which animals held for the people of Glasgow at this time, helping to explain the fervour with which said citizens pursued the goal of their own zoological garden.
St. James Hall Picture Palace Entry Ticket.
Green ticket stub admitting one persons entry upon payment of one penny to the audience area or balcony of St. James Hall Picture Palace on Stirling Road, Glasgow. Ticket states that children under the age of 14 are unable to use this ticket, indicating that another ticket, perhaps of a different colour or design was available for concessions.
Short article detailing the enormous success of each of Pickards cinemas: the Casino, The Panopticon, the Clydebank Gaiety and the Ibrox Picture Palace. In particular, the luxurious interior of the Casino is celebrated, being described asamong the cosiest and most comfortable halls in St.Mungo. The article also mentions Mr Christie Grant, the manager of the Casino, describing his popularity among picture-goers as avery…courteous manager.
Short newspaper cutting from the Observer describing the weekly programme of the Casino. Mentioned are the performances of Will Starr,the chocolate-coloured comedian and dancer and Cissie Norton,the popular male impersonator. Though an appraisal of his talents,the description of the formers skin colour is indicative of the often problematic racial attitudes inherent within journalism of this period.
Short newspaper clipping from the Glasgow News detailing a list of performances taking place at the Casino. Most notable is the mention of aspecialty act by performer Max Merlin entitledThe Human Crocodile. The performance is described as showcasing amazing acts of acrobatic prowess which were extremely well received by Casino patrons.
Aeroplane for Glasgow: Mr A.E. Pickards Enterprises.
Short article describing Pickards purchase of a monoplane at auction. Pickard is described as battlingspirited competition from fellow bidders in order to emerge successful during the auction. The article also describes Pickards wish to apply for permission to take his new aircraft on small flights from Glasgow Green.