Building Knowledge

Published: 24 May 2013

A new book tells the extraordinary story of the partnerships and achievements that built the University of Glasgow.

“Did you know that Oliver Cromwell left his mark on the Pearce Lodge? That a Bulcrauium (bull’s head) decorated the entrance to the old Hunterian Museum? That fundraising for the Gilmorehill campus in the 1860s reached Canada, United States, India, Shanghai and Singapore? That the 1948 development plan stretched from the River Kelvin to Great George Street and Byres Road? Dust jacket of Building Knowledge

For more than 560 years the University has acted as a remarkable patron of architecture, employing the finest architects, engineers and craftsmen of the day to realise its ambitions. Building Knowledge - An Architectural History of the University of Glasgow unearths the extraordinary record of these partnerships and their achievements. Much of the material in this fascinating book has never been published before. There are over 200 illustrations from the past and present. View the inspiring 1961 Whitfield drawings for the Library and Art Gallery . Be stunned by the 4 metre long clock tower plan on the Gilbert Scott Building. Archive illustration from Building Knowledge

A unique collaboration between Historic Scotland and the University of Glasgow, this publication celebrates some of Glasgow's most recognisable buildings and will appeal to a wide audience and especially staff and students and alumni of the University. The author, Nick Haynes is a freelance architectural historian and historic buildings consultant based in Edinburgh; most of the amazing illustrations come from the University’s own collections.

The book is being launched on Tuesday, 4 June with an event at the University. The evening will start with a drinks reception in The Forehall at 6.30pm. This will be followed by the formal launch of the book by guest speaker Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Cultural and External Affairs. The author Nick Haynes and Ranald MacInnes, Head of Heritage Management, Historic Scotland will also join the line up of speakers to discuss the development of the book in further detail. The evening is expected to conclude by 8.00pm. ‌

Staff can still register to attend this event however places are limited.

To register please contact DAOevents either by email: daoevents@glasgow.ac.uk or telephone 0141 330 3593

First published: 24 May 2013

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