West End Churches at Risk
PUBLIC MEETING
To raise awareness 'Churches at Risk' have organised a public meeting at Hillhead Library on Wednesday 4th February 2009 at 7.30 p.m.
Churches at risk of demolition
Two of the most architecturally significant churches in the west end of Glasgow are at risk of demolition, a new pressure group said today.
Lansdowne Church on Great Western Road beside Kelvinbridge, with its tall narrow steeple, is a well known local landmark. Kelvinside Hillhead Church, on Observatory Road, is part of one of the most architecturally notable and attractive corners of the west end, as it sits at the foot of Huntly Gardens, and nestles in the middle of Grosvenor Crescent.
Both churches are A listed. Both are owned by the Church of Scotland. Unfortunately, falling church attendance has called into question their viability.
The problems with Lansdowne were identified by the Church of Scotland last year. At first the future of Lansdowne looked secure, as the Four Acres Charitable Trust, who successfully saved Dowanhill Church - now Cottier's Theatre - were prepared to step in and run Lansdowne as a community resource, theatre, and centre for promoting traditional building skills. Lansdowne's congregation were fully behind the project, which would have allowed them to continue to worship there. This plan however has been dealt a major blow by the denial of Heritage Lottery Funding for the project.
Kelvinside Hillhead has a major problem with its roof, which was badly storm damaged last year. Kelvinside Hillhead was in a stronger position than Lansdowne as it had been offered Heritage Lottery Funding, but only if the Church of Scotland was prepared to guarantee that the church had a future as a place of worship. Regrettably, the Church of Scotland is so far unwilling to give that assurance, and the funding offer cannot be taken up.
Now the case of both churches has been taken up by Friends of Glasgow West, a charitable organisation that works to protect and promote the architectural heritage of the west end, who have set up a Campaign Group called 'Churches at Risk.'
David Howat, who chairs the Friends of Glasgow West 'Churches at Risk' group, said:
'These two churches are among the finest examples of Glasgow's exceptional Victorian heritage, and their loss would be unthinkable. There is a very real danger that both might have to be demolished if a viable and sustainable use cannot be found for them, and funding put in place to carry out essential repairs. The condition of both is deteriorating rapidly. We are determined to bring pressure to bear to find a solution for these wonderful buildings.'
PUBLIC MEETING
To raise awareness of the problems that the two churches face, 'Churches at Risk' have organised a public meeting at Hillhead Library on Wednesday 4th February 2009 at 7.30 p.m.
Architects
Lansdowne Church was built in 1862, to a design by John Honeyman. It is described as 'the most striking Gothic Revival church in Glasgow.' The interior has a range of stained glass with the two triple lancet windows in the north and east transepts by Alf Webster standing out as exceptional. The south transept window is considered Webster's masterwork and was completed shortly before his death at Ypres in 1915.
Kelvinside Hillhead Church was built in 1875 to a design by James Sellars (but said to be much influenced by William Leiper.) It is often erroneously said to be modelled on Notre Dame in Paris, but is in fact based on Sainte Chapelle in the same city.
Four Acres Charitable Trust was set up in 1984 to save Dowanhill Church, a very notable building by William Leiper and Daniel Cottier. The Trust have succeeded in preserving the building by part funding the work from a highly successful bar and restaurant, and have turned the church building itself into a theatre. It was this experience and expertise that they hoped to bring to bear on the problems facing Lansdowne.
Friends of Glasgow West is a charitable organisation set up in 1996. Comprising entirely of volunteers, and supported by subscriptions, grants and donations, they seek to protect and promote the heritage of Glasgow's prime West End conservation areas.
For more information, contact:
David Howat,
Friends of Glasgow West,
c/o Pattison & Sim,
117 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TT.
'phone 0141 334 7706 or 07850 804 969
email
Ann Laird,
Friends of Glasgow West,
16 Dudley Drive, Glasgow, G12 9SB.
'phone 0141 334 6354
email
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Comments
Angus | Sun Feb 01 2009
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