PRINCESS Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, was born in 1901, just 10 years before the Mitchell Library moved to its latest home, in North Street. In November 1982 the two came together when the Princess opened the library’s new £12 million extension.
For the occasion the Princess, who was on a two-day visit to Glasgow, wore a thistle brooch in diamonds and sapphires, which had been given to her by the people of Glasgow on her wedding in 1935.
The Princess was welcomed to the Mitchell by Lord Provost Dr Michael Kelly, in his capacity as Lord Lieutenant. She met librarian Joe Fisher, author of The Glasgow Encyclopedia, who for many years had been in charge of the Mitchell’s Glasgow Room. He was more than happy to show her some of the treasures there, in the company of Bailie Philip O’Rourke, convener of the Arts and Culture Committee, and Andrew Miller, director of libraries.
There was much in the Mitchell for the Princess to see when she went on a walkabout. She was interested to meet and talk to Mr James Craig, from Larkhall (above), who was researching the history of Scottish football between the years 1912 and 1939.
When Princess Alice died in 2004, aged 102, the Queen issued a statement acknowledging her aunt’s support for the work of King George VI and the Queen herself “over many years throughout war and peace, and despite the tragedy of the early death of her son, Prince William.”
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