Silhouette of Glasgow University
To cap off the month of June, here’s a silhouette of the Main Building at sunset on a rare cloudless day. Nothing further this time, just enjoy the view.
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The Mysterious Statue of Adam Smith
There is something odd about this statue, which I’ve featured previously, of Adam Smith, which sits underneath Randolph Hall in the Main Building. According to a book by Ray McKenzie, Public Sculpture of Glasgow, how the University became the owner of this particular statue is somewhat of a mystery.
Long story short, the marble statue was created by a German by the name of Hans Gasser around 1867. The statue came to be under the ownership of the University of Glasgow either as a present from the Adam Smith Club of Glasgow (if such a club existed), or having been directly acquired by the University in the 1870s. Problem is, even after extensive searching, no records of either were found. There have been some records of a similar statue being at the University of Oxford, but no such statue exists there. So, no one knows how the statue came to be owned by the University.
I say it was magic. Or penguins.
There are plenty of records Adam Smith’s time at Glasgow University, which the University Archives featured in an exhibition consisting of photos of his records from the Archives, available online.
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1914-1918
On June 28th, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo along with his wife, Duchess Sophie. On June 28th, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed.
Between those two dates 5 years apart, 4,506 members of the Glasgow University community served in the First World War, 761 of whom did not return. The fallen are remembered on memorial tablets in the east end of the Memorial Chapel.
Compared to yesterday’s photo of this part of the Chapel, this time I haven’t played with the colours of the photo.
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V is for… Via Veritas Vita [ABC Sundae]
![V is for... Via Veritas Vita [ABC Sundae]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2688/4174077537_75116a3cd2_z.jpg)
You’ve probably seen the University of Glasgow motto numerous times around campus, as it is a part of the University’s Coat of Arms. Do you know what the Latin phrase means and furthermore, where it’s from?
It comes from the Bible. The New Testament, to be more specific. The King James version of the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verses 1-14, reads:
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. [Source]
If you prefer, here’s the New International Version of this passage.
Via Veritas Vita, stands for the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The University of Glasgow, being founded by Papal Bull, is an ecclesiastical institution, and many of its traditions and parts of its identity reflect this history. The motto is spread all around campus, but I chose the one on the Communion Table in the Memorial Chapel (and yes, I played around with the colours a bit).
John 14:6
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Colours of Bute Hall
The interior of Bute Hall is decorated primarily in four colours – red, blue, silver and gold. With a University steeped in tradition (over 550 years worth of it), there is a story and an explanation behind everything. That’s the case here too. Bute Hall was named after a benefactor to the University in the 1870s. The grand hall of the University of Glasgow is decorated based on the heraldic colours of the Marquess of Bute. The cross, thistle and fleur de lys motifs are also related to the Marquess.
Who was this figure who had the grand hall of the University of Glasgow named after him, as well has having it decorated in his heraldic colours? Bute Hall was named for John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute. He, along with Charles Randolph, had gifted the funds to finish the delayed construction of the University Buildings. Hence, Bute Hall and Randolph Hall (the south end of the grand hall) were named after the benefactors responsible for the completion of the Main Building.
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University Nursery
Just a few blocks north of the University Library, relatively hidden amongst the tenement buildings on Hillhead Street, is an interestingly decorated flat. Number 28 Hillhead Street contains the University’s Nursery, which explains the interesting decorations in the windows and the street. Even parts of the door have been decorated.
All University of Glasgow employees and students are eligible to use the services of the Nursery, subject to availability of places, of which there are 74. I guess having a child is also a prerequisite to using the services. More information available on the nursery’s website at www.gla.ac.uk/nursery.
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The Hunter Memorial
In a prime location on campus, between the Memorial Gates and the Hunterian Museum, sits the Hunter Memorial. It was unveiled on this day in 1925 by Mrs George R Mather, the widow of the brothers’ biographer. I featured the Hunter Memorial back in December for ABC Sundae, you can see the whole memorial in that photo.
More “On This Day” entries can be found on Glasgow University Story website at universitystory.gla.ac.uk, maintained by the Archive Services. Information also from University Story site.
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Arts That Benefit Everyone
QUAE PROSUNT OMNIBUS ARTES
On the east side of the Hunter Memorial sits a coat of arms which I presumed to be the Hunter Coat of Arms, but can’t find verification for that anywhere. The Latin inscription below it reads “Arts That Benefit Everyone”. A fitting motto for the source of the collections which have grown to be the Hunterian Museum.
Correction: As corrected by a reader in the comments below, the arms and motto are those of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. (Thank you!)
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Lion
The combination of a lion and a unicorn in representation of the United Kingdom goes all the way back to the Union of the Crowns in 1603 when King James VI of Scotland (King James I of England ascended to the crown after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. The Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland features two unicorns as the heraldic supporters, whereas the English Royal Arms featured various supporters, including most frequently the lion.
The unicorn was thought to rule through harmony while the lion rules through might, and the two of them symbolized the shared rule of the Scottish unicorn and the English lion over the United Kingdom. That concludes our brief history lesson into the Lion and the Unicorn.
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Unicorn
Residents of the UK might know the meaning behind the lion and the unicorn statues in several places around campus, but foreign students (such as myself) might not, so to the benefit of everyone who doesn’t know the meaning and symbolism behind them, here you go.
The Lion and the Unicorn are most often represented together in the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. Specifically, they are referred to as ‘heraldic supporters’. The Unicorn, seen above on top of the Memorial Gates at Glasgow University, represents Scotland. The Lion, one which sits just to the right of the above, represents England. More history in tomorrow’s post.
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Remnants of the Old College
Although the Gilmorehill campus of the University of Glasgow only dates back to 1870, there are remnants of the olden days scattered around campus. Parts of Pearce Lodge, the memorial plaque to Thomas Reid featured yesterday, among other little artifacts in the Hunterian Museum and the Main Building. One of the more famous remnants of the Old College, the Lion and Unicorn Staircase, was commissioned on this day in 1690. Work was finished later that summer in mid-August, and 320 years after that date, I will post some more photos of the finished product as it stands today.
More “On This Day” entries can be found on Glasgow University Story website at universitystory.gla.ac.uk maintained by the Archive Services. Information also from University Story site.
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Memoriae Sacrum Thomae Reid
Just within the south entrance to the Main Building, under the University Tower, is a marble plaque which originally sat in the Blackfriars’ churchyard on High Street, by the Old College. The plaque commemorates the successor to Adam Smith in the seat of Professor of Moral Philosophy, Thomas Reid, who held the position from 1764 to 1796 (although some sources, including the University of Glasgow Story website and Wikipedia say he retired in 1781).
Right next to the plaque is an information board with more information about Thomas Reid, including the translation of the plaque, which reads as follows:
Sacred to the memory of Thomas Reid, S.T.P., formerly Professor of Philosophy at King’s College, Aberdeen; more recently Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow, from the year 1764 to the year 1796; who renewed everything in the science of the human mind, as once the distinguished Lord Bacon of St. Albans did in natural philosophy; who combined sharpness of mind, all kinds of learning, utmost seriousness of character, and likewise kindness; who died 7th October 1796, at the age of 86, and whose bones together with the ashes of Elizabeth Reid, his much loved wife, and three daughters carried off by premature death, are buried here in this tomb, The erection of this monument was ordered by his most affectionate, and only surviving daughter, Martha Carmichael.
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Bute Hall Organ
The Lewis organ in Bute Hall, which sits above the north entrance to the hall, was installed in 1904 and substantially rebuilt in 1962. It’s mainly played at graduation ceremonies and other larger events. I’ve only heard it being played once, and that was at last year’s Freshers’ Address when they played the Imperial March as the heads of the student unions, the University Senate, and the Rector walked onto the stage in front of the gathered Freshers. It was a nice touch.
Update: Apparently the organist played the theme to Jurassic Park at a graduation ceremony this year. (Source: Twitter)
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Florentine House
Question: how many times have you walked past this B-Listed house at 53 Hillhead Street, without ever knowing what it held within? Quite a few times, I presume, considering it sits at the corner of Hillhead Street and Gibson Street, right next to the Fraser Building and the University Library.
Within the Florentine House sits the Glasgow branch of the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR). The centre is led in partnership with the Universities of Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow Caledonian. Their website is www.sccjr.ac.uk and they’re also on Facebook and Twitter. Now you know.
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Qudos Renovation
Qudos, the club/venue/dance floor of the Queen Margaret Union is going to undergo a renovation over the coming summer months. I have no idea what the changes will be or what Qudos will look like after the facelift, but I can’t wait to find out. Qudos could use a little bit more character. I’ll post a similar panorama after the summer to show the changes.
Here’s hoping it’ll be finished before Freshers’ Week!
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University in the Summer
The atmosphere is changing around the Glasgow University campus right about now. The student halls of residence are empty of students until mid September. Regular lectures and seminars are over for the coming months. Exams have been done away with and results have been announced (mostly). There’s plenty of space in the Library. Graduations are very soon. All this is much to the joy of those left on campus working throughout the summer. Enjoy it while you can, because we’ll be back in September.
That’s also me away from Glasgow for the summer too, but photos will still arrive here as normal. I’ll post a photo from the same spot as above when I get back, just to see if anything has changed in a few summer months.
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University of Glasgow Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of the University of Glasgow has its roots in the fifteenth century, but the coat of arms we use today at the University wasn’t formalized and registered with the Court of Lord Lyon (a standing court of law which regulates heraldry in Scotland) until the 1890s. Since then, the coat of arms have gone through several redesigns, including two in the past 15 years. This particular coat of arms looks like it dates from eons ago, but considering its location on the side of the Memorial Chapel, just above the entrance to One A The Square (the cafe and brassiere), I’d say it dates back to around 1929. Ish.
The tree, the bird, the bell and the fish are associated with the miracles of the founder of the city of Glasgow, St Kentigern (or St Mungo), which comes from an old rhyme:
Here’s the Tree that never grew
Here’s the Bird that never flew
Here’s the Bell that never ran
Here’s the Fish that never swam.
The mace in the middle and the open book at the top represent the University itself, being the University Mace from 1465 and The Book of Learning. Note that the mace and the fish together make an anchor. I can’t find out if it’s intentional or not, but I assume it to be a nod to Glasgow’s shipbuilding days.
More on the University’s coat of arms can be found on the University of Glasgow Story website, and more photos of the various versions of the coat of arms around campus can be found here. As I’ve said before, I’m going to try to find as many of the University’s coats of arms around campus so if you know of any that I haven’t posted yet, let me know.
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U is for… University Avenue [ABC Sundae]
![U is for... University Avenue [ABC Sundae]](http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1140/4598365693_c6ed0e15f0_z.jpg)
University Avenue, the lifeline of Gilmorehill, runs from Gibson Street in the north-east to Byres Road in the west. For a road which cuts right through a university campus, it’s surprisingly busy, with cars, taxis and buses congesting the road. I’ve always wondered what would happen if some society or organization on campus would shut the road down for a street party or a protest of sorts.
I tried to find out what University Avenue was called before the University of Glasgow moved to Gilmorehill in 180, but I can’t find any maps online which would be detailed enough to answer this question. TheGlasgowStory website has a few maps from the 19th century and earlier which shine some light on the issue. The Maclure & Macdonald’s map of the City of Glasgow from 1866 shows that there was a street where University Avenue is now, four years prior to the Gilmorehill campus opening, but I can’t make out the street name. Another map, from 1795, doesn’t really show much on Gilmorehill. I guess I need to either go explore the maps available in the University Library or in the Mitchell Library to get the answer to my question.
The above panorama shows only about a quarter of University Avenue, but at least it’s a slightly different view of the street.
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The Way, The Truth, The Life
Above the two plaques featured yesterday and the day before is yet another demonstration of the University’s coat of arms, the umpteenth example around campus. (Yes, I’m trying to find as many of them as possible, so hints and tips in the comments please.)
The University’s motto, Via Veritas Vita, stands for the Way, the Truth, the Life, but any idea where it’s from? The bird, the fish, the tree, the ring and the bell all derive from the miracles of St Mungo, but where do the other two objects in the coat of arms come from, or what do they represent?
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Duke of Montrose – 1870
Just to the right of the plaque featured yesterday, on the South Front of the Main Building, is another circular relief, this one featuring three clamshells and the date 1870. Like yesterday’s plaque, this too refers to an important year and person in the history of the University of Glasgow.
1870 is the year the University of Glasgow moved to its new campus on Gilmorehill. The coat of arms refers to the Chancellor at the time, James Graham 4th Duke of Montrose (1799-1874). He was the last Duke of Montrose to hold position of Chancellor, which is held for life, ending the lineage of four Dukes of Montrose holding the office between 1714 and 1874.
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William Turnbull – 1451
Of the two circular reliefs on the South Front of the Main Building, the one on the left features the bust of a bull and the year 1451. The year refers to the founding of the University and the bull to the person described as ‘a patron and virtual founder of the University’.
William Turnbull (c. 1400-1454) was the bishop of Glasgow from 1448 to his death, and prompted King James II to write to Pope Nicholas V to request the establishment of a university in Glasgow. Turnbull also became the first Chancellor of the University.
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South Entrance to the Main Building
The entrance to the Main Building at the South Front, in the occasional shadow of the University Tower, is covered in little details and decorations, much like the rest of the building itself. Carved into the curving frame of the space above the door is a long line of thistles, and spiral patterns or such run up the side of the entrance. The two spiral reliefs above the entrance, as well as the one above them, not visible in this photo, hark back to both the foundation of the University and the construction of the building.
I’ll show them all a bit closer in the next couple of days.
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Uplifting Polkadots
The above has been a subject I’ve been meaning to photograph for ages, but because of the location being quite small, usually completely crowded with people and you never really spend that long there anyway, it took me a while to actually get the spot all to myself so I could whip out my camera and take this photo.
Any idea where it’s from? I don’t have another photo of it, so after some time I’ll post the answer in the comments, unless someone beats me to it with the right answer. Have a go.
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East End of the Chapel
I’ve posted this view before, but this is a slightly better lit version of the eastern end of the Memorial Chapel at the University of Glasgow. The relief of St Kentigern featured last Saturday is smack dab in the middle there, just below the Benedicite Window and above the WWI Memorial Tablets and the Communion Table.
I’m a sucker for stained-glass windows, so when I’m back in Glasgow for the new academic term I will trek down to the Chapel and photograph each and everyone of the windows in Chapel and post them here, along with some interesting details I find within the windows.
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