The cover of the Empire Exhibition 1938 guide.

The Empire Exhibition ran from May 3rd to October 24th 1938 at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow and covered 175 acres.

Over 100 palaces, pavilions and numerous other buildings showcased the best of manufacturing, industry and the arts from British Empire countries around the world.

The objetcs of the exhibition as outlined in the official catalogue were:

To illustrate the progress of the British Empire at home and overseas.

To show the resources and potentialities of the United Kingdom and Empire overseas to the new generations.

To stimulate Scottish work and producction and to direct attention to Scotland's historical and scenic attractions.

To foster Empire trade and a closer friendship among the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

To empasise to the world the peaceful aspirations of the peoples of the British Empire.

The official guide and catalogue featured dozens of ads from companies as diverse as national and international firms like Esso and Boots to local companies like John Brown shipbuilders and Robertson's Jam.

These ads, many of them little works of art in their own right, provide an insight into the ideas and attitudes of the time and will be fascinating to anyone interested in the history of Glasgow and the history of advertising.