THE return of the iconic Bridgeton Umbrella in Glasgow’s east end has been marked with a celebration ceremony following a £400,000 restoration project.
The intricate cast iron structure has been a feature and focal point of the area since it was gifted to the city by local manufacturer of ornamental ironwork, Sun Foundry, in 1875.
The restoration is part of the regeneration works of Clyde Gateway, who were tasked with improving the lives of local people and attracting inward investment as part of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Officially called the Bridgeton Cross Clock Tower, it was entirely removed from its location and restored inside a specialist workshop capable of providing the necessary temperature and humidity conditions for the repair work.
Clyde Gateway enlisted the support of restoration expert James Mitchell, of Industrial Heritage Consulting, and the ‘intricate’ work was carried out by Kelsen Special Projects, a specialist Glasgow company with ‘extensive’ experience of working on cast iron structures.
Local school kids and local writers and performers took part in the celebration ceremony. There were also speeches from local politicians, Alison Thewliss MP and councillor George Redmond.
Local MP and chair of Clyde Gateway board, Alison Thewliss, said, “The Bridgeton Umbrella is synonymous with the East End of Glasgow and to see it back and looking better than ever is brilliant for Bridgeton. The celebration here today recognises the community’s spirit and resilience over its almost 150 year history. The restoration work not only preserves our past but also signifies the bright future of Bridgeton. It was heartwarming to see the performances from the local school kids and local artists marking this joyous occasion.”
Councillor George Redmond added, “Seeing the magnificent Bridgeton Umbrella return is a great day for our community. Clyde Gateway has overseen an incredible transformation of the local area. The recently completed New Olympia House which overlooks the bandstand highlights this and shows that encouraging investment and boosting civic pride can go hand in hand.
“Glasgow has seen incredible change since the Bridgeton Umbrella was built and gifted to the city back in 1875. But this landmark stands as a reminder of our history and how far we have come. Seeing the community out today at the ceremony shows just how much it means to locals.”
