A Glasgow restaurant could be recognised with listed status, under new proposals by Historic Environment Scotland.
The organisation is seeking proposals to list the Ubiquitous Chip in the city’s west end at Category B. Established in 1971, the restaurant moved to its current Ashton Lane premises in 1974 – occupying a former stables and livery yard.
The interior of the site includes two painted murals by Alasdair Gray which are important examples of his work and of wider 20th century public art in Scotland. Florid Jungle is a dense and colourful jungle scene located in the restaurant’s courtyard area, while Arcadia depicts friends, employees and regular customers in a leafy outdoor setting among tables with food and drinks.
Gray created the murals at the Ubiquitous Chip in 1977 and 1980–81, shortly before publication of his debut novel Lanark. He was a regular customer of ‘The Chip’, and designed the murals specifically for their locations within the restaurant.
Dara Parsons, head of designations at HES, said, “Alasdair Gray is one of Scotland’s most well-known cultural figures of the 20th and 21st centuries, and one the country’s most significant mural artists. Gray’s murals at the Ubiquitous Chip are rare examples of late 20th century public mural art, as well as important surviving examples of his work.
“Listing the site would ensure that the cultural significance of the building and its murals can be recognised and taken into account in any decisions about its future. We would encourage anyone who has views on our proposals or information that can help inform our decision to take part in the consultation.”
The consultation will run until Thursday 19 February. To take part, visit the HES website.
