Glasgow Green is our oldest park, established in the 15th century. It’s also home to the People’s Palace (social history museum) with its magnificent Winter Gardens. Other landmarks include the Nelson Monument (1806, thus predating Nelson’s Column in London by three decades), the William Collins Fountain commemorating a 19th century Lord Provost (Mayor) and the McLennan Arch, a remnant of Assembly Rooms which were demolished in 1890. The arch has led a peripatetic existence since, landing in its current position in 1991.
On our last visit, we had a specific object in mind. The People’s Palace was hosting the five shortlisted maquettes for a proposed statue of Mary Barbour, a social activist who led the Glasgow rent strikes in 1915. These two were my favourites – read more and see the other maquettes on Adventures of a Retired Librarian.
When we emerged, dusk was falling. The Doulton Fountain in front of the Palace looked spectacular.
By this time, we were hearing the siren voice of WEST Brewery, housed in the Templeton’s building. We didn’t resist.
An hour later, we re-emerged to find the Palace and fountain had taken on a ghostly appearance. Or was that just the beer? You decide!
That is a ghostly photo. And the Winter Gardens building is beautiful. All these blog posts would make wonderful travel magazine articles. It seems like it would be a perfect side career for you.
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I sometimes wonder about that! But I think I prefer being an amateur.
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I definitely know what part of that post would be the hubby’s favorite!
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Um, does he have an interest in social history? Or maybe, just a thought, beer?
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Love both of the maquettes. How will the winner be chosen?
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I think the group which campaigned and raised money for the statue will choose, but they are showing the maquettes in various places and gathering public opinion. From what I could see, the Longworth was most popular (single figure with placard) so I hope that will feed into the decision.
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Interesting! It can be such a nightmare choosing a particular work to produce. My initial response was in favour of the Logworth, but I did have second thoughts. The Andrew Brown is a little more expressionistic, but captures the sense of social action as being about groups of people rather than an individual (which of course may not exactly fit the brief of a sculpture of honour Mary Barbour). It will be interesting to see what is finally chosen. I’ve just had a look at the campaign FaceBook page, which has all the maquettes on it. I’m definitely favouring the Brown!
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Yes, I love that one too. The Rent Strikers were referred to as “Mrs Barbour’s Army” so it’s entirely appropriate. The reason I like these two is the sense of movement and purpose. I found the others a bit lifeless.
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Yes, I can see that. I quite liked the Morag McLean (probably because it had the “army”) but is it a bit flat — obviously 🙂
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Great pictures. I’ve never been there, but it looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
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Glad you like them!
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What a lovely place, Annabel. The sculptures are amazing. 🙂
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I know, fabulous aren’t they!
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Yes they are. I gave you an extra ‘n’ but there’s no extra charge. 😀
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Ha, ha – I’m used to that!
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lovely pics; not sure we’ve been to the park despite visiting Glasgow on a good dozen times
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Definitely worth a visit next time. The museum in the People’s Palace is good and WEST is great for lunch, or just a beer. Or two.
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it’s on the list…
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…and the Arch. I love those roman-ish arches all over the place – a sign of history we simply don’t have in the USA.
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Thanks! I love the Green – the way it has so many monuments and buildings of different styles.
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Love the glasshouse and what fabulous architecture on the Templeton’s building. Glasgow obviously has a lot to offer. (Oh and beautiful light on the first photo).
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Thanks. Templeton’s is modelled on the Doge’s Palace, allegedly. It was originally a carpet factory but had to be disguised to keep its rich neighbours happy. The back is much plainer.
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I hope you have more photos of the Winter Garden as that is the first topic of my new challenge beginning in January (on the flower blog). More about it tomorrow 😀
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Thanks for taking me around Glasgow (again), and have a great week,
Pit
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Thanks Pit! Glasgow has so much to offer, I can’t stop writing about it.
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I sure hope you won’t stop writing, about Glasgow – and other places.
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I still have masses to write about! It’s just finding the time.
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Lovely place. Thanks for the tour. I have only been to Glasgow once quite a long time ago but quite enjoyed the city. (Suzanne)
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Thanks Suzanne! It’s a great city.
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