He’s photographed The Beatles, Liz Taylor, Michael Jackson and every US president since Eisenhower, but now Glaswegian superstar photographer Harry Benson has chosen his home city as the subject of his latest book—and he chose Glasgow tourist information centre as the venue for the book-signing launch.

Covering more than fifty years, Harry Benson’s Glasgow shows the bygone city of shipyards and industry, as well as the bustling, modern Glasgow of today. It shows the people who animate its streets and make it what it is, as well as some of its most famous faces in a collection of unforgettable images—and the stories behind them—from one of the world’s most renowned photographers.

Harry and wife Gigi dropped in to VisitScotland’s Glasgow TIC earlier this month to sign copies of the lavish new collection in person.

“I’ve always loved Glasgow,” said Harry. “It’s a very special place and a fascinating city. It was the last city in Europe to soften under the influence of affluence. Back in the 1950s and early 60s, you would never have imagined seeing civilised people drinking at outside cafes in Glasgow like they do today.

“I’m glad I took photographs of Glasgow way back in the 1950s. You don’t think that what’s going on around about you is important at the time, but 10, 15 or 50 years later it takes on a whole new meaning that you only realise when you’re older.

“I avoid photographing all the usual things in Glasgow. Instead, my Glasgow is full of characters,” he said.

Harry’s stunning collection of Glasgow photographs is published by Black & White Publishing and is available from Glasgow TIC, 11 George Square, tel 0141 204 4400.