A seven-storey Art Deco landmark that opened to serve visitors to Glasgow’s 1938 Empire Exhibition, this former hotel represents the city’s architectural ambitions between the wars.
At a glance
The Beresford stands at 460 Sauchiehall Street as one of Glasgow’s finest examples of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne design. Once hailed as Glasgow’s first skyscraper, it remains the tallest building constructed in the city during the interwar period. Today it is protected as a category B listed building.
History
The hotel opened in 1938 to accommodate visitors attending Glasgow’s Empire Exhibition, a major showcase event. The building quickly became symbolic of the city’s modern aspirations. In 1939, the young John F. Kennedy delivered his first public address within its walls, a moment of historical note during his early career.
What you see
Seven storeys of streamlined elegance define this building’s silhouette. The Beresford exemplifies the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne vocabulary popular in the 1930s—geometric forms, horizontal lines, and a forward-looking aesthetic that spoke to progress and modernity. Its prominence on Sauchiehall Street made it an unmissable landmark for a generation of Glaswegians.
Cultural significance
The Beresford embodies Glasgow’s interwar confidence and its position as a modern industrial city. Its status as the tallest building erected during this period underscores the city’s commercial and cultural vitality. The Kennedy address adds a thread of international history to its local legacy.
Key facts
- Location: 460 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Opened: 1938
- Height: Seven storeys
- Architectural style: Art Deco/Streamline Moderne
- Listed status: Category B listed building
- Coordinates: 55.866°N, 4.268°W
Practical information & getting there
The Beresford is located on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow’s city centre. For current access information and opening details, contact local tourism services or check the building’s current status, as it is a former hotel no longer in its original use.
Sources & resources
- Beresford Hotel – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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