LIGHT FANTASTIC!
Stunning illumination brings Maryhill Burgh Halls back to life
September 18 2008
for immediate release
A STUNNING illumination is bringing life back to one of Glasgow's much-loved
historic buildings.
Maryhill Burgh Halls is being bathed in light as its ongoing restoration is
unveiled to the public for the first time.
Lord Provost of Glasgow Councillor Bob Winter has officially launched the
Maryhill Burgh Halls Illumination Project and Exhibition in Maryhill Road.
It will provide the first glimpse of the ambitious £9 million project to
breathe new life back into this part of Maryhill.
Maryhill Burgh Halls was the seat of municipal government in the days when
Maryhill was a burgh. Built in 1878 and designed by renowned architect
Duncan McNaughton, it has lain derelict for some years.
The building's architectural appeal and historic merit is further enhanced
by outstanding stained glass panels depicting the trades and industries of
Maryhill in the 19th century and which are currently in safe keeping in the
city archives.
But they have been carefully recreated using animation and light and now
form the breathtaking centrepiece of the illumination as they are projected
onto the building on Maryhill Road. They show the work of linen bleachers,
calico printers, canal boatmen, bricklayers and other workers.
Hunter Reid, Project Co-ordinator and Company Secretary of Maryhill Burgh
Halls Trust which is undertaking the work, said:"The illumination of
Maryhill Burgh Halls is a red letter day for the work being done to
reinvigorate this outstanding historic building.
³It is vital to preserve the city's rich architectural treasures and the
Burgh Halls represent a building worth saving. Illuminating it brings back
life to the building and we want local people to see that their beloved
Burgh Halls are being saved."
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust comprises of members of the local community
together with representatives of Maryhill Housing Association, Cube Housing
Association and Glasgow City Council. It has spent five years putting
together proposals to drive the project forward. So far £1.5 million has
been raised.
The overall proposals consists of a blend of well considered and sensitive
historic building restoration with strong contemporary new build additions.
Funders consists of the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, the
Community Regeneration Fund, Maryhill and Cube Housing Associations, the
Heritage Lottery Fund and many other generous organisations and individuals.
Following the launch by the Lord Provost a slide show and talk was given on "The Maryhill Stained Glass Panels by Stephen Adam" by local historian Ian
Mitchell .
An exhibition about the Maryhill Burgh Halls project is being held in
Maryhill Library during normal opening hours from September 15 to 20.
ends
NOTES TO JOURNALISTS:
This news release is issued on behalf of Maryhill Burgh Halls by Ross Wilson
Public Relations (www.rosswilsonpr.com) Further information is available
from Ross Wilson, on 07768 280021 at any time
e mail: ross@rosswilsonpr.com
