This evening, I am posting a couple of images of the Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art.

Firstly, outside the entrance is the statue of the Duke of Wellington, a British military hero of the 19th century. This statue is hardly seen without a traffic cone on top of the head; as soon as one cone is removed another is put in place-presumably by students. This arrangement has almost become a permanent image of the Glasgow scene.

The Gallery building has an interesting history. In 1778 a mansion was built on the site by one William Cunninghame, a wealthy tobacco trader. Glimpses of the original mansion can still be seen in the current building. After changes of ownership, the building was transformed in 1827 into a neo-classical Exchange with a giant Corinthian portico.

The statue of Wellington astride his horse, 'Copenhagen' was erected 1844.

After WW2 the building became a library and then in 1996 assumed its current role as a Gallery of Modern Art.


View of the Gallery from Ingram Street

The Gallery sits at the heart of Glasgow and is worth a visit from both an historical/architectural perspective as well for its contemporary art collection. There are shops and restaurants nearby.

Labels: Glasgow Architecture

posted by Nigel Cole @ 9:55 AM