Mason's Stained Glass Window.
Monday 2nd September 2019 was another significant date for the Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow with the unveiling of the new stained glass window in Glasgow's Royal Infirmary. The new window highlights the work of the Incorporation over the centuries and includes the Cathedral which was saved by the Craftsmen of Glasgow during the Reformation and lots of other significant events and traditions recorded. The window also includes a modern stone mason cutting stone.
The window is located in the link corridor in the Royal Infirmary and is well worth a wee visit. It is the second of fourteen windows which will eventually brighten up this corridor. The Incorporation of Wrights window was the first to be created and installed and this was the vision of Auld Deacon Alex Graham of the Incorporation of Wrights and a past Estates Manager of the Infirmary.
The window was designed by Higher National students of the City of Glasgow College. Prior to designing the window each of the students were briefed by the Deacon and a small team from the Master Court of the Incorporation to create a specification for the window. The students then visited the Trades Hall where the archivist gave them a tour and highlighted the significant elements connected with the Incorporation of Masons. The winning design was by Geraldine McSporran and under the guidance of their lecturer Kimberley Armstrong, the students finalised the design and presented it at the Box Opening event in the Trades Hall.
The design and work of the students is of a standard much higher than anticipated and the Incorporation has been very fortunate in benefitting from the dedication and skills of the students at the City of Glasgow College.
There is no question in the minds of the Incorporation of Masons that the Higher National Certificate in Stained Glass at the City of Glasgow College is a course well suited to anyone either starting out or who wishes to retrain in this wonderful art form.
The window is located in the link corridor in the Royal Infirmary and is well worth a wee visit. It is the second of fourteen windows which will eventually brighten up this corridor. The Incorporation of Wrights window was the first to be created and installed and this was the vision of Auld Deacon Alex Graham of the Incorporation of Wrights and a past Estates Manager of the Infirmary.
The window was designed by Higher National students of the City of Glasgow College. Prior to designing the window each of the students were briefed by the Deacon and a small team from the Master Court of the Incorporation to create a specification for the window. The students then visited the Trades Hall where the archivist gave them a tour and highlighted the significant elements connected with the Incorporation of Masons. The winning design was by Geraldine McSporran and under the guidance of their lecturer Kimberley Armstrong, the students finalised the design and presented it at the Box Opening event in the Trades Hall.
The design and work of the students is of a standard much higher than anticipated and the Incorporation has been very fortunate in benefitting from the dedication and skills of the students at the City of Glasgow College.
There is no question in the minds of the Incorporation of Masons that the Higher National Certificate in Stained Glass at the City of Glasgow College is a course well suited to anyone either starting out or who wishes to retrain in this wonderful art form.
Geraldine McSporran, the lead student highlighting elements of the design.
Prior to the unveiling, Isobel Neil from the Royal Infirmary and Kimberly Armstrong the lead lecturer from the City of Glasgow College gave their perspectives on the window, its design and manufacture. The unveiling ceremony took place in the link corridor and we had the pleasure of the company of the Lord Provost, Eva Bolander, the first citizen of Glasgow, the Lord Dean of Guild, the second citizen of Glasgow and The Deacon Convenor of the Trades House of Glasgow along with many of the Deacons of the Incorporated Trades of Glasgow and other guests and the students who made the window.
After the Lord Provost, Eva Bolander unveiled the window and made many positive comments about the work of the students and the Incorporation, Geraldine McSporran the lead student enlightened all present with a description of the images and meaning of the various aspects of the window.
After the main event was over there seemed to be a rush of people wishing to have their photographs taken beside the window. The present Deacons were heard to be discussing in a rather passionate manner, "which Incorporation would have the honour of being next to have their window made and what would the sequence be in future". All were so impressed that they were clearly vying to be high on the list of having the privilege of paying for their window as soon as possible. This is a clear indication of the high esteem that the College, course and students are held.
After the unveiling we retired to the Royal Infirmary Board Room where the Infirmary provided a hand buffet and drinks.
