A new exhibition tells the story of Glasgow’s changing skyline through an artist’s pen.
Will Knight was commissioned to create a snapshot of modern-day Glasgow and his work has captured the streets, buildings, spaces and river in fascinating detail.
The Knight Map mirrors that drawn by Victorian illustrator Thomas Sulman - his Bird’s Eye View of Glasgow, 1864.
Knight’s new Bird’s Eye View map of the city is on show at the New Glasgow Society, 1307 Argyle Street, G3 8TL.
The exhibition runs until Sunday 14th May, 11-5pm daily. Entry is free.
'Excited'
Rachel Kacir, the Trust's heritage manager, said “We’re really excited to have commissioned this map, following in Sulman’s footsteps, and leaving behind our own impression of Glasgow in 2022 for people to explore in another 150 years’ time.
“Will Knight has done an incredible job, and it’s been fascinating to watch his meticulous process as the map has developed over the last six months or so.
“Sulman’s map captures Glasgow at a turning point in the industrial revolution. Cargo laden ships pack the Clyde, its banks lined with cranes, warehouses and smoking chimney stacks.
“Fast forward to the present day and high rise flats punctuate the skyline where the chimneys once stood.
“The Clyde lies dormant, with the motorway and railways cutting through the city as the main forms of transport for people and goods.
“Many buildings and even whole districts have been lost to time. And yet, the historic built environment still gives the city much of its character.
We’re really excited to have commissioned this map, following in Sulman’s footsteps, and leaving behind our own impression of Glasgow in 2022 for people to explore in another 150 years’ time.
Rachel Kacir
“Some areas, such as Glasgow Green and the Necropolis, have changed little. The Britannia Music Hall, The Trades House and Hutcheson’s Hall are amongst the many buildings that have also survived this century and a half of change.
“They are all testament to how Glasgow’s architectural legacy is still present and relevant today.”
Glasgow-based artist Will Knight was selected for the commission following a competitive application process.
He studied Architecture at the Glasgow School of Art, and this training has informed his approach to understanding the dynamic relationship between people and place.
Will said “I have thoroughly enjoyed creating a new contemporary map drawing of Glasgow.
“Just as the Glasgow City Heritage Trust work on historic structures designed and built by historic architects in the city, so, I have researched, traced, marked and overlaid my contemporary map on the detailed map left by architectural illustrator Sulman.
“In doing so, it is possible to see the dramatic ways the city has changed in the intervening years, with railways and motorways crossing a much quieter River Clyde.
“Sulman’s drawing places value not just on the key buildings in the city, but also the bits in between, as does my drawing; so we can see how buildings for work and housing have changed; as well as the important civic, retail or cultural landmark.
'Unchanged'
“Conversely, we can also see how much of the fabric of the city has remained the same; landmark buildings, public squares and parks are recognisable along street patterns that are largely unchanged.
“The new drawing will hopefully give us a greater appreciation and value for the city’s historic buildings, whilst also provoking us to consider what might change in the next 150 years, and what we might value in the city in the years to come.”
Fans of either map who fancy owning their own copy are in luck, as beautiful high quality prints have been specially produced as part of the project, as well as a range of postcards.
These will be available to buy at the exhibition or can be purchased through GCHT’s online shop.
Every purchase supports the Trust to continue providing opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy Glasgow’s historic built environment.
