Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Detail of Sculpture 'Monument to Maternity'

 This morning, I ventured back into Glasgow to find, view and photograph items on the Merchant City Public Art Trail.  Aided by sunny weather this proved a productive and satisfying experience.

Above and immediately below are images of  ‘Monument to Maternity’ by George White which dates from 1995. This structure is of stainless steel and can be found in Rottenrow Gardens.

Monument to Maternity, Rottenrow Gardens, Glasgow

 Here is an example of pavement engravings at City Halls, Candleriggs. This is the work of Frances Pelly and Edwin Morgan and dates from 1996. The image shows the trades of Glasgow and market goods. These designs frame four specially commissioned poems by Glasgow’s late poet laureate, Edwin Morgan.

Pavement Engravings, Candleriggs, Glasgow

 The image below shows part of another set of pavement engravings. These can be found near the Ramshorn Theatre in Ingram Street and reflect the rich history of this area which once stood among orchards and vegetable gardens. Many important figures are buried in the nearby graveyard attached to the former church (now a theatre).

Pavement Engravings, Ramshorn Theatre, Glasgow

 The Italian Centre on Ingram Street proved something of an eye opener. Here is a metal ‘Guardian’ by Jack Sloan. This stands above a glass canopy.

Guardian, Italian Centre, Glasgow

 Here is another image from the Italian Centre. Although having a porcine likeness the work is actually meant to represent a dog which accompanies a nearby statute of its master.

Dog Scultpure, Italian Centre, Glasgow

 This Cherub by Kenny Hunter dates from 1997/8 and can be found at the Tron Theatre. It was commissioned to coincide with refurbishment of the Tron Theatre.

Cherub at Tron Theatre, Glasgow

 This bronze figure of St. Mungo (Glasgow’s patron saint) can be found in front of the second floor window of the Tron Steeple in Trongate. Artist, Eduard Bersudsky’s intention was to have the various elements of the statue move with the striking of the clock on the hour but, regrettably, the synchronisation is not always operational.

St Mungo at the Tron Steeple, Glasgow, Scotland

 This sculpture sits atop the Mercat Cross at Glasgow Cross and dates from 1929-30. Unusually, it was the work of two women: Edith Burnet Hughes (architect) and Margaret Findlay (sculptor).

Mercat Cross at Glasgow Cross, Glasgow

 Stone statue of philanthropist, Thomas Hutcheson at Hutchesons Hall. This is the work of James Colquhoun from around 1649. Thomas and his brother, George set up charities for aged men and young boys. It is believed that in course of relocation, the statues of the two brothers were placed on the wrong pedestals and therefore this statue is actually of George Hutcheson. 

Thomas Hutcheson Statue, Glasgow

Overall, a productive morning which afforded more insight into Glasgow’s rich history.

This evening, I went out on my bike (in the rain) with the aim of photographing certain elements of Glasgow’s public art which are illuminated and therefore best seen at night. This venture was partly successful because one of the illuminations seems to have been taken down. However, I did eventually locate an intriguing triptych on a wall up an obscure and partly blocked off side street, Tontine Lane, where footfall would be somewhere around zero.

The neon triptych  is the result of collaboration between artist Louise Crawford and architect Ian Alexander in 2001.

In researching the history of the Merchant City (of Glasgow)  reference was found to finding of a dug-out canoe in AD1781 where the Tontine Buildings now stands. I fact, four canoes were uncovered, one of which is still held in the Glasgow Museum of Transport and comprises a simple hollowed out shell. The actual location is maybe half a mile from the current course of the River Clyde and the presence of the boats may indicate an ancient stream or river bed beneath the street.

Overall, a fascinating piece of fact based art.

Neon Triptych, Tontine Lane, Glasgow

Here is another view of Glasgow’s Squiggly Bridge  which I took en-route to Tontine Lane.

Squiggly Bridge, Glasgow, At Night

Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, Scotland

This morning  I cycled into central Glasgow (Scotland’s largest city) to explore various facets of the public art and heritage in and around the Merchant City area. There is more to do but in meantime I am submitting a portfolio of images and  narrative relative to the various items many of which have links with Glasgow’s history as a trading city and even further back in time to around the 6th century AD and St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint.

The Gallery of Modern Art (above) evolved out of a 18th century private mansion connected with trade in tobacco. The frieze, below, shows elements from the story of St. Mungo. This is the work of French artist, Niki de St.Phalle.

St Mungo Frieze, Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow

This statue of the Duke of Wellington stands outside the Gallery of Modern Art and has become a de facto emblem of Glasgow. Designed by Marochetti, a well established sculptor of the Victorian era.

Duke of Wellington Statue, Glasgow, Scotland

This is untitled sculpture dates from 1973 and sits above the Ingram Hotel. It is the work of Richard Coley and is reminiscent of a rock pool or water-flow.

Untitled Sculpture, Ingram Hotel, Glasgow

This image is one of two neo-classical sculptures which sit atop the Italian Centre. Designed by Alexander Stoddart.

Neo-classical sculpture, Italian Centre, Glasgow

This image shows the ‘Glasgow Bouquet’ by Doug Cocker and dates from 2005. This bronze sculpture commemorates the 400th anniversary of the reconstitution of the Trades House and Merchants House. Depiction is of tools in an open weave basket. Mounted on a granite column.

Glasgow Bouguet, Glasgow, Scotland

This image is in the same vein as the previous one. It shows industrious cherubs busy creating wealth. The work of John Mossman, 1854. Situated at rear of the Corinthian.

Cherub Sculpture, Corinthian, Glasgow

This interesting image shows an elaborate gilt sign which has been retained for visual pleasure notwithstanding the activity depicted is no longer undertaken in the premises.

Ornate Gilt Signage, Merchant City, Glasgow

Here is another representation of Glasgow’s patron saint, St Mungo over the entrance to 177 Ingram Street. The work of George Frampton and William Shirreffs.

St Mungo Themed Scuplture, Glasgow, Scotland

 Here is a preserved and restored old style British police box which has been reinvented as a mock first aid station.

Old Style British Police Box, Glasgow, Scotland

Overall a fascinating trip and also a learning experience. Hope to complete the tour in early course.