Arlington Baths, 61 Arlington Street, Glasgow

The Arlington Baths, located at 61 Arlington Street, Glasgow, was designed by John Burnet Senior in 1871 and expanded in later years. Subsequent additions were made in 1875 (Turkish Baths), 1893 by A Myles, and 1902 by B Conner. This is a significant example of a Classical style bath complex, incorporating details influenced by the Italian Renaissance.

The building is two storeys and nine bays, constructed of polished ashlar with round arches to almost all ground floor openings, generally arranged in groups of three. The principal elevation is composed of two blocks arranged asymmetrically, with the south block slightly recessed. Channelled pilasters support a pediment featuring a floral acroterion above the wide central bay, which has three arched openings (the left one now a doorway). Roundels are set within the spandrels of these arches. Flanking the pilasters are outer bays each containing a single window. The central block features clasping pilasters (channelled at ground level) that flank a deeply recessed three-arch arcade leading to the main entrance. Paired columns, standing on a raised pedestal with foliate capitals, support the arcade. Above, there is a shallow recessed five-arch window arcade on the first floor. The north block, housing the swimming pool, mirrors the pediment details at its terminal bays. The centre of this block has three windows grouped together, which flank an arched doorpiece. The first-floor windows are rectangular with single lights and are linked by a moulded band course that steps over the windows. A cornice sits above the ground and first floors, topped by a deep, plain parapet.

The prevalent glazing pattern is of three panes. The roof is slate-covered, with various stacks and louvered vents visible.

The interior, observed in 2012, includes a pool area with exposed timber roof trusses and a timber dog leg staircase. Terrazzo surrounds the pool, with brass plates advising visitors to remove their boots before crossing. Many original fittings and pool apparatus remain, including hanging rings and a trapeze. The main pool is bordered by timber panelling and doors, leading to junior and senior plunge baths, most with original fittings and chrome fixtures, alongside various changing rooms and offices. Decorative tiling and lamp brackets are also present.

Several formal rooms are located on the ground and first floors, including a former dining room, billiards room, and reading room, retaining features such as exposed timber roofs, plaster cornices, and fireplaces. A carved timber War Memorial commemorates club members who died in both World Wars.

The Turkish bath, located to the rear, is square in plan, with rendered walls and a cement beehive-shaped roof featuring a central, square, louvered cast iron ventilator. Three rows of small, coloured glass quatrefoil skylights are set into the roof, designed to imitate the night sky. The floor is ornamented with encaustic tiling.