Your University, One Photo at a Time

Archive for November, 2010

Snowy Rooftops of Hillhead

Snowy Roofs of Hillhead

The above photos are from November 28th and 29th, the first two days of snow this winter. I couldn’t decide which one to post, so I decided to post both views of the University’s Library and Tower, over the rooftops of Cranworth Street and other tenements on Hillhead in Glasgow’s West End.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com


G is for… Ghosts at the University of Glasgow [ABC Sundae]

G is for... Ghosts at the University of Glasgow [ABC Sundae]I’ve been wondering for ages if there are any ghosts living at the University of Glasgow, or ghost stories associated with it, so I’ve been doing some digging online. Surprisingly, I couldn’t really find that much. Some sources claimed that Glasgow was “the most haunted place in Scotland”, but the number of easily discoverable ghost stories or examples of paranormal activity was very low. This might be partially because the University’s Old College campus was demolished in the late 1800s when the University moved to Gilmorehill. That been said, I did find a few interesting bits.

There is a story from the Western Infirmary, built by the University in the late 1800s:

One night in 1975, Mary McLellan was working as a ward sister at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow. She was setting up a piece of equipment in a room facing a well-lit corridor when she became aware of a “tall, silver-haired man wearing a blue dressing gown and standing near the doorway of the ward opposite”.

He stood still and silent for a moment and then vanished. But she thought nothing of it, assuming he was a patient who had just gone back to bed. “Almost immediately, the ward nurse came over to me,” McLellan recalls. “She was very upset at seeing the apparition. She recognised him as a patient who had died two days previously.” [Source]

The Australian Paranormal Investigators have a short report online of their trip to the University to search for paranormal activity. Their findings were, and I quote, “Frequent EMF fluctuations”, especially in the Memorial Chapel, the Sir Charles Wilson Building (a converted church), and the University Archives.

As a final note, allegedly the horror writer Mary Shelley (of Frankenstein-fame) was influenced by stories of doctors at the University of Glasgow experimenting with bodies that had been hanged at the Tollbooth, just up the road from the Old College. Allegedly.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, I thought it was something completely different to post here. That, and I had the photo above where we were playing around on campus one evening last May and with some simple camera tricks made my girlfriend appear somewhat see-through in the Cloisters.

Do you know of any ghost stories or reports of sightings at the University of Glasgow?

ABC Sundae is a fortnightly theme day, occurring every other Sunday, one letter of the alphabet at a time.
Click here for more ABC Sundae.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Protest Placards

Protest PlacardsThere were a number of interesting placards to be spotted during the education cuts protest march on November 24th, including “Step outside Posh Boy”, “Dumbledore wouldn’t approve”, “Ah Hate Tories”, “Clegg off you Clegging Clegg!”, and “Fuck this, I’m off to Hogwarts”. In addition to the more witty ones, the majority of the placards were “official” looking, such as the one above, and ones which you see at a number of protests, especially the ones from the Scottish Socialists. I guess that counts as recycling.

You can see dozens more photos from the whole protest on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janihelle/sets/72157625465456688/.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Protesting Education Cuts and Tuition Fees

Protesting Education Cuts and Tuition Fees

Continuing with the student protest march concerning education cuts and tuition fees, which took place on November 24th, 2010.

The protest march route was quite extensive and took the better part of the afternoon. It began from in front of the John McIntyre Building, around campus to the Cloisters and the South Front of the University, with a sit-down in the Cloisters. From there it continued down University Avenue, now with substantial police presence, down Kelvin Way, on Sauchiehall Street to Charing Cross, up to the Glasgow School of Art on Renfrew Street, to a sit down by the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Buchanan Street, down George Street to in front of the administrative building of the University of Strathclyde (where students had occupied the building). After a long sit down (and being kettled by the Police), the march proceeded around the City Chambers to the south-east corner of George Square, where a number of people gave speeches.

You can see dozens more photos from the whole protest on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janihelle/sets/72157625465456688/.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Protest on University Avenue

Protest on University AvenueOn November 24th Glasgow University students partook in a protest march in Glasgow, concerning the UK Government’s proposed cuts to education and hikes in tuition fees in England. While the tuition fees hike doesn’t directly affect Scottish Universities, they could see so-called “fees refugees” head to Scotland to avoid paying the increased tuition fees, as Scotland has no tuition fees for Scottish (and EU) students, and significantly lower fees for UK students. In addition to those reasons, students in numerous Scottish Universities and Colleges were protesting in solidarity with students from the rest of the UK. Unlike in London, the protests did not end in random acts of violence.

You can see dozens more photos from the whole protest on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janihelle/sets/72157625465456688/.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Amphora in Professors’ Square

Amphora in Professors' SquareIn the middle of The Square Professors’ Square is the above sculpture, depicting an amphora/urn/vase. The inscription on the pedestal reads: “Presented by Professor Sir Graeme Davies, Principal 1995 – 2003, and Lady Davies.”

After several hours of extensive research online and a bit in the library, I can’t find any concrete information on the above. I figure it dates to 2003 or later, and some sources hinted at it being the work of Andy Goldsworthy (which seems likely, as his works do bear a resemblance). One day I will figure the whole story behind this sculpture and when I do, I’ll post it on this site.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Shadow Man

Shadow ManThere’s more to do on campus in terms of photography than merely photographing the buildings and statues. You can also have a lot of fun while on campus in the late evening, especially with the floodlights on the South Front of the University’s Main Building. I really need to do more of this. =)

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Burnet’s Gardens

Burnet's GardensThe buildings of 2-10 University Gardens were designed and built by Sir John James Burnet (1857-1938), a prominent Glaswegian architect. He is responsible for a number of the older buildings on campus. I’m working on a collage of his works on campus, which will be featured on this site once I’m done (waiting for a nice sunny day, I guess).

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

University Gardens, Formerly Saughfield Terrace

University Gardens, Formerly Saughfield TerracePrior to being rebuilt in the late 1800s, University Gardens used to be called ‘Saughfield Terrace’. Similar to yesterday, a view of the roofs and chimneys of the north of University Gardens, looking east from no. 10 to no.1.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

University Gardens Chimneys

University Gardens Chimneys

A different view of the buildings on the north side of University Gardens. For ages I’ve been wondering if the chimneys (and the fireplaces within) are still in use in the older buildings on campus. Also, I really like the green window frames on the buildings on University Gardens. Judging by what little you can see through the windows, it appears that some lucky staff members have their offices in those rooms.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

19th Century University Gardens

19th Century University GardensThe buildings on University Gardens date back to the late 19th century, with number 2-10 having been built in 1882-1884 and no. 1 in 1902. Today they contain offices and teaching facilities. Architecturally they are quite stunning on the outside and quite impressive on the inside too. The building to the left is the Sir Alexander Stone Building.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

QMU By-Election mk.II

QMU By-Election mk.IIBecause the election a few weeks back wasn’t enough, the QMU had another autumn by-election, this time for the positions of Events Convenor and Assistant Honorary Secretary. The candidates for the positions posed for the above photo outside the Queen Margaret Union while campaigning for votes.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Fading Light on Gilmorehill

Fading Light on GilmorehillYet another view from the Boyd Orr Building of Gilmorehill as the sun sets on Glasgow. The daylight hours are rare right now, and with my sleeping patterns I’m missing most of the bright hours. Then again, I’m up and about for the sunsets, when the buildings on campus are bathed in golden light.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Former Maclay Hall

Former Maclay HallJust behind the Lord Roberts’ Monument, featured yesterday, is a shell of a formerly affluent tenement at 17 Park Terrace. It was donated to the University of Glasgow in 1921 by Lord and Lady Maclay, and became Maclay Hall, a student halls of residence. Over the years the halls were extended to the neighbouring properties, until they were sold for private development in 2004-2005. While being renovated under new ownership, the four storey building caught fire on June 13th, 2006. Today, the building is a mere shell of it’s former glory, as you can see in the photo above. The BBC article on the fire can be found here.

The name lives on in the Maclay Residences to the south of the University, close to the River Clyde, the Tall Ship and the upcoming Riverside Museum.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts, V.C., of Khandahar, Pretoria and Waterford

Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts, V.C., of Khandahar, Pretoria and WaterfordOne of the nicest and probably the most famous statue in the vicinity of the University of Glasgow, Lord Robert’s Monument, sits at the top of Kelvingrove Park by Park Circus. Erected in 1916, two years after his death, the statue commemorates Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts V.C. (1832-1914). He was considered one of the most successful commanders of the Victorian era, and served as a soldier for over five decades. He is depicted on the statue on his favourite Arab Charger, ‘Volonel’. More information about him and his achievements here.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

F is for… Fog [ABC Sundae]

F is for... Fog [ABC Sundae]Fog is a rarity in Glasgow, and when it does come for a visit, it seems to have a tendency to stick around for a bit (I’m basing this on my 2.5 year experience of Glasgow’s weather). Apparently the Glasgow-Prestwick Airport (some 32 miles south-west of Glasgow) is the UK’s only fog-free airport, owing to the local weather patterns. I assume this would also help to explain the complete lack of thunder in Glasgow. Then there’s the Irn Bru sky, when the night sky over Glasgow is a rich dark and glowing orange. Have you noticed any other weather peculiarities in and around Glasgow?

With gothic spires, great architecture and leafless trees scattered around campus, it’s a fantastic place for some fog photography. I’ve previously posted a few photos of the University in the midst of fog, which you can see here, here and here.

ABC Sundae is a fortnightly theme day, occurring every other Sunday, one letter of the alphabet at a time.
Click here for more ABC Sundae.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Fading Autumn

Fading AutumnI guess this would count as symbolism, as the last rays of the sun are reflected on the windows of the Sir Gilbert Scott Building, and trees slowly losing their autumn colours, in time for the incoming freeze of winter. Or something like that. I just liked the photo, so I posted it.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Autumn Tower

Autumn TowerJust a nice view of the Sir Gilbert Scott Building and the University Tower in the fading light on an autumn evening. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m just waiting for the winter to come, with snow. I still need a good photo or two of a snowy University of Glasgow.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Glasgow University Basketball

Glasgow University Basketball The Glasgow University men’s basketball team is unbeaten in the 2010/2011 season. I attempted to cover one of their games yesterday at Kelvin Hall for the Glasgow University Guardian. In reality it was a trial to see if my camera (and myself) was capable of sports photography, which, if you’ve never tried it, is actually really quite difficult. Especially without the right equipment. The above shot was pretty much the only decent one, out of some 400 that I took. Need less to say, I need a better camera if I’m going to do sports photography. I’ve featured sports on this blog before.

Update: The story from the Glasgow Guardian that the above photo was for can be found here: http://www.glasgowguardian.co.uk/sport/gu-basketball-set-to-bag-the-league/

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Kelvin Gallery

Kelvin GalleryThe Kelvin Gallery, located in the north-west section of the University’s Main Building, is currently being used to house some of the artefacts of the Hunterian Museum‘s main gallery while it’s undergoing roof works. I’m quite looking forward to the main gallery of the museum opening next year. There’ll be a flood of photos from the Hunterian’s collections once it does open to the public again.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Ornate Chapel Gate

Ornate Chapel GateThis is the reason I quite like the gates on the sides of the University’s Memorial Chapel. Modern gates, and buildings for that matter, are quite plain and without decoration, which is one of the many reasons I like to walk around the University’s Main Building with my gaze pointed upwards, camera at the ready.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Closed Gate

Closed GateI’ve featured the above gate before, as well as its counterpart, located next to the University’s Memorial Chapel. I came across this photo from last Spring and liked it more than those two so I figured I’d post it. The gate is closed this time, so it’s different one from the previous two.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

University Avenue Sunset

University Avenue Sunset It is somewhat rare to see such a stunning sunset in Glasgow. Taken on University Avenue, with the Wolfson Medical School Building on the left and the Boyd Orr Building on the right. What makes this even nicer is the ornate street lamp which decorate the length of University Avenue.

[Nov-Dec 2010 Poll: Should the University Library be open 24 hours a day?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below!
© 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.