Description

George Smith & Co, Sun Foundry, 1874. Important prominent decagonal cast iron open shelter with ornate decoration, situated at large road junction with distinctive red fish scale tiled roof and 2-stage cupola with clock. Overhanging canopy with cornice. Fluted Corinthian columns.

Columns between round-arched bays with decorative filigree iron-work to spandrels and frieze. 4 bays with decorative brackets. Interior with central column and decorative iron brackets to roof.

2-stage cupola with clock at 2nd stage. Ogee roof above and surmounted by metal finial.

Statement of Interest

This elaborately decorated and finely detailed cast iron shelter forms a major focal point for the East End of Glasgow. Situated in the centre of a 7-way road junction, it is an important and crucial landmark. The decoration is particularly fine and the cupola is a distinctive addition, adding a sense of grandeur. It is an excellent and rare example of this type of street furniture.

The shelter is known locally as "The Umbrella" and it was gifted to the city by the foundry to provide shelter and to be a covered meeting place for the people of the area. Recently restored, it now forms a colourful and eye-catching focal point.

George Smith & Co Ltd, Sun Foundry, was founded in 1858. They were one of a number of internationally renowned iron foundries to come out of Scotland.

List description revised as part of the Glasgow East End listing review, 2010.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17568978

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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