M275 Additions and alterations to the Guild of Aid premises

The Guild of Aid was founded in 1887 by the Reverend Edward Balvaird Hewett, mission priest at St Margaret's Episcopal Church, Coburg Street, and his wife, Mrs Mary Hewett. Rev. Hewett resigned from the church in 1895, but continued to run the Guild of Aid. In 1898–9, he commissioned a new hall. Its innovative features included a roof-top playground, and on the exterior of the building colourful, enamelled stoneware panels made by Doulton & Co., depicting religious scenes. 1

The Guild of Aid hall and its facilities had served the welfare of Gorbals residents for almost ten years when a 'Baths Annexe' was added in 1906–7. The expenditure for this work appears in the accounts of the creche, suggesting the expansion of services for young children. One of Glasgow's earliest day nurseries is said to have existed at the Guild of Aid. 2

The location and appearance of the annexe are unclear. The costs of the work suggest a modest structure with significant plumbing and tiling, a concrete (Lithic) floor and concrete roof. What is clear is the involvement of Mackintosh: the Guild of Aid's 1907 annual report lists 'Mr C. R. McIntosh (Hon. Architect), Blythswood Square' among its general committee members. 3

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