Physical Regeneration
Bridgeton Umbrella
PRESERVING THE UMBRELLA FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Bridgeton Umbrella has been a focal point for the community since 1875 when it was gifted by the Sun Foundry to the City of Glasgow. This Category A listed cast iron structure is of national importance which is unique in its design and construction. Work is now underway to undertake the full restoration of the Umbrella.
Why are the works required?
The Umbrella is now nearly 150 years old and like other cast iron structures of its age it is showing lots of deterioration in the structure and paint treatment. To preserve the structure for future generations a full restoration under factory conditions and rebuild will mean the Umbrella can be preserved. Limited refurbishment of the Umbrella was first carried out in 2010 by Clyde Gateway to address corrosion and return the Umbrella to its original colour. Unfortunately, in the years after the works were completed, the corrosion and the long term deterioration has become visible again. An expert in the conservation of many similar structures is working with Clyde Gateway and has recommended a treatment which will ensure the structure will be in good condition for many decades to come.
What is happening?
To protect the Umbrella from further deterioration and ensure its place within the heart of Bridgeton for future generations, it will be dismantled and temporarily removed from site and treated and repaired inside a specialist workshop, providing the best temperature and humidity conditions for the work. These works will be carried out by a specialist Glasgow company with extensive experience of working on cast iron structures under the supervision of a Conservation Engineer.
When is it due to happen?
Work is now underway and it is expected that the works will take about six months to complete depending on the extent of repair works required, returning to its site in Bridgeton Cross next Summer.
Progress So Far
The dismantling of the Shelter is progressing in line with the programme and expected to be completed by the end of January. The clock tower has been removed and the examination of each of the pieces has commenced. On one of the salmon pieces from the city coat of arms, we have discovered some original gold leafing and rust prevention treatment. The has been sent to Historical Environment Scotland for forensic analysis to further their knowledge. As each of the pieces are removed they are tagged, examined and recorded as part of the conservation report. The report notes the condition and any repairs which are required in order to restore each piece. Through this process we have discovered that one of the clock faces must have been previously replaced. The face is made up of steel fixings on an opaque Perspex face which differs from the three other clock faces which are cast iron on coloured glass. The expectation is that we will restore this face in cast iron.
Progress Photos - December 2022
Preparing Roof Finial for Removal
Progress Photos - December 2022
Lifting Roof Finial
Progress Photos - December 2022
Finial
Progress Photos - December 2022
Clock Tower Removal
Progress Photos - December 2022
Clock Tower Landing
Progress Photos - December 2022
Crest
Progress Photos - December 2022
Fish
Progress Photos - December 2022
Footing
