Region ID

Work ID

Manual Reference

Title

Architect

Architect

Metal worker

Date of design

Year of unveiling

Unveiling details

Road

Precise Location

A to Z Ref

OS Ref

Postcode

Work is

Listing Status

Duty of Care

Commissioned by

Notes

The ironwork comprises railings on the north and west façade, the light over the entrance stairs, three versions of the Glasgow coat of arms; two at attic level and one in the entrance hall, and the window brackets across the north façade. The most important features are as follows: Railings, north front: On perimeter wall outside north façade; eight vertical members supporting Japanese Mon symbols with pierced representations of birds and insects (e.g. scarab, ladybird, bee, bird, ant). These rise on poles above clusters of plant-like forms and have been interpreted as symbolising trees, as a basic form of building construction, and hard-working animals.(1) Window Brackets: Twenty six brackets across the north façade acting as strengtheners for the windows and as ledges for the window cleaners' ladders. These have been interpreted as symbolising plants and the growth of a seed; each with its head drawn back against the windows and containing a tiny or full round seed or a stamen-like part.(2) Coats of Arms: At attic level, centre of north façade: A three dimensional, mixed media interpretation of the Glasgow arms with four coloured glass spheres suspended from its branches. At attic level, east façade: A fuller version of the arms with the tree enclosing a seed; recalling the idea of growth and nature. Entrance hall: Suspended from half-landing over stairwell, a horizontal version of the arms.(3) Finally, over the main entrance, north front, is a lamp with a box shaped cover.This is pierced with bird forms filled with coloured glass inserts, and has two plant-like finials.The box is supported on two curved arms forming an arch at the foot of the steps

The building was erected in two halves. The east wing in 1897-99 and the west in 1907-09. The decorative details were designed in 1897

circa

raw year

Condition

At risk

Inscriptions

Signatures

Coat of Arms (north face)

Wrought-iron

244x48.4 cm

Mon symbols

Wrought iron

6.43 cm High (disc)

Coat of Arms (east face)

Wrought Iron

224x76 cm

Coat of Arms (interior)

Wrought iron

127 cm (length)

Previous treatments

Ironwork has been painted

Replaced parts

(Interior) Coat of arms:The fish and bird are replacements

None