wellbeing

Slipping

Slipping
Peering, leaning, circling, nearing, the deep dark of the hole in the ground pulls at my shoelaces. I jerk my foot away but it’s not far and my torso barely turns. It knows what’s down there, which is why I won’t run.
Smiles were nice for a period of time but then they started to feel strange on the inside of my mouth, like a bit of food that won’t be chewed and has to be spat out. Happiness didn’t fit on my face, even as a mask it was the wrong size and the elastic dug into my ears.
EC Nov 2019
Pic from auntyflo.com
a silver sculpture in the shape of dna

Hidden Sculptures in Glasgow – the Fab Four

Now the weather is getting bright it’s time for more walks and wanders. If you find yourself at a loose end in the city why not take a tour and stop by some of these hidden sculptural gems.

The Hunterian at The University of Glasgow

The Hunterian, soon to turn 300 years old, has its very own sculpture garden adjacent to the Art Gallery off University Avenue. This little haven is a sun trap in the summer and is mostly discovered accidentally. A lovely spot for lunch.

a bell top towerTop of Lantern, 1901, Mackintosh, pic courtesy Hunterian

Maggie’s Centre

Cross through the University campus and make your way towards the far end of Argyle Street. Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre hosts a DNA spiral which you can see in passing from street level. It was created by co-founder of Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres Charles Jencks, also responsible for the one day a year wonder, the Garden of Cosmic Speculation.

a silver sculpture in the shape of dnaMaggie’s Centre Glasgow, DNA seat with twisted
waveform, Charles Jencks, 2002-2003

Renfrew Street

We’re off to the City Centre now. Hope on a bus or take a stroll to Charing Cross. Once there, look up, and say hello to Beethoven. On Renfrew Street (the other side of Sauchiehall Street) a Beethoven bust looks out from this B-listed building upon the locals. Above what used to be a former piano shop, T A Ewing’s Piano and Harmonium Emporium,  it was sculpted by the owner’s brother, James Alexander Ewing.

a bust of BeethovenBeethoven, James Alexander Ewing, circa 1897 pic Geograph.org

Merchant City

Continue down and while familiar to University of Strathclyde students if you’re not a resident of the area you’re in for a treat. Rottenrow Gardens used to be the location of a former maternity hospital, The Rottenrow, opened 1834. Now demolished, the archways remain and in tribute a metal sculpture of a giant safety pin. So the story goes, pregnant women were walked up and down the steep hill to stimulate labour – and it worked!

a safety pin sculpture in gardensMonument to Maternity/Mhtpothta, George Wylie, 2004

There are many wonderful sculptures distributed across the city, what others are your favourites?