Colonel Blimp and the 'Posturing Progressives': The Battle for Glasgow's George Square
3 Jun 2013 5:00pm - 7:00pm CRASSH, Seminar room SG1, Ground Floor
Dr Ray McKenzie (Glasgow School of Arts)
George Square has been described variously as the 'heart of Glasgow' and the city's Grand' Place. Laid out in the reign of George III, it evolved during the Victorian period to become one of the most striking civic spaces in the UK, admired not only for the elegance of its proportions but also for the array of fine bronze and sandstone monuments that came to populate it as the century progressed. In recent times, however, its fortunes have been more mixed. As a result of a series of insensitive modifications in the late 20th century, it has been stripped of its former grandeur and now fails to fulfil its true historic function. This lecture will discuss the recent attempt by Glasgow City Council to reverse this decline through a radical reconsideration of its structure and appearance, and ask why such a bold and necessary initiative ended in catastrophic failure.
Open to all. No registration required.
Part of the Taking Place seminar series.
For more information about the group, please visit the link are on the right hand side of this page