Alex Glass
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Glasgow City Centre ModelMuch has been said in other places about the existence of a scale model of the City Centre of Glasgow.
The last time it was on public display was during the Year of Architecture in 1999. The model was last updated about 1996. When it was on display it was in a perspex box.
It this true or just an urban mith?
Did anyone see it during the Year of Architecture?
What has happened to it?
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Fjord
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Re: Glasgow City Centre Model | Alex Glass wrote: |
What has happened to it? |
Good question and I'm sure we'll find out one way or another 
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Alex Glass
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Maybe this will get some people interested.
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falseface
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cool 
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HollowHorn
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What's all that green stuff cluttering up the Sq?
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falseface
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felt
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Alex Glass
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The City Centre Model is in safe storage but does require a lot of work.
It was started in the 1960 and was regularly updated until about 1996. It was last on public display for the Year of Architecture 1999.
Each model was hand crafted by expert modelmakers. I understand that it could cost upto about £1,000 to make each model. As a new building was completed a new model would made to replace the older model. These older models are mostly kept but there may be some missing. There have been a few models made of the City Chambers.
Here are more photos of the model in its current state. See if you can identify some of the buildings or areas.
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james73
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Superb.
Apart from the George Square bit - all that grass makes it look totally unrealistic...
James H
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Stuball
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Why is the Chambers wrapped in pink ribbon?
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HollowHorn
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What a coup, Alex, fantastic!
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Alex Glass
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Want to see more 
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Alex Glass
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| james73 wrote: | Superb.
Apart from the George Square bit - all that grass makes it look totally unrealistic...
James H |
You need to remember that this is Glasgow 1996. I think it should be preserved as a timepiece rather than update it.
I didn't notice the ribbon around the Chambers until I loaded the photos but I think it maybe that it was damaged and glued together again.
Unfortunately the sections are randomly placed and not in any order. It is like a large jigsaw. It would be great to see it cleaned and placed in order but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. Anyone with any suggestion about funding to restore it to its former glory would be very welcome.
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Alex Glass
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Any success in identifiying the sections or any of the building yet
Here are more photos
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james73
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Aye, I can recognise just about all of them. 
James H
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HollowHorn
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| Alex Glass wrote: | Any success in identifiying the sections or any of the building yet
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The squinty bridges, obviously 
I've seen that Corporation green paint before, my money is on the Mitchell.
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Unh@ppyb@st@rd
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| Quote: | | Anyone with any suggestion about funding to restore it to its former glory would be very welcome. |
excellent find Alex... give it to me i love jigsaws
it wouldnt cost that much to restore to its former glory couple of small soft paint brushes to loosen dust, small portable dust buster, duster, a tin or 2 of pledge and some glue, sticky back plastic & a Blue Peter badge
ps an ariel map of Glasgow from around time it was built
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Alex Glass
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There is so much detail it is hard to take it all in. I was there for about 30 minutes and could have spent all day there.
Here are more of the photos
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Alex Glass
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There are lots more to come
Some black and white
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Alex Glass
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In case anyone is interested the models made with the darker wood are the older buildings. I think they date from before 1940 but don't quote me 
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Alex Glass
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Not many left now
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Alex Glass
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This is my 1000th post here on UG and the last of my photos of the City Centre Model.
I hope everyone who has viewed the photos like what they see. I remember sometime ago a story circulating that the model didn't exist. Hopefully this has put an end to that myth.
Hopefully one day the model will be restored to its former glory and once again on public display.
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Fjord
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Now that's what I call a comprehensive model of the city. Can't wait to get a closer look at all the detail.
Congrats on your 1000th post Alex your contributions on Urban Glasgow have been exemplary
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HollowHorn
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| Alex Glass wrote: | Want to see more
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Saw this earlier and did not get it. Have now realized that you thougt I ment 'Cowp' when I said 'Coup' (Coo)
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falseface
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Belter Alex. what date is it from again?
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james73
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The answer to that is in this thread...
James H
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Alex Glass
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Don't wish to upset anyone but there may be an opportunity to have a group visit this so that a comprehensive collection of photos can be made of the model.
This would be a very limited offer and I would like to offer this to those who have already posted on this thread. I think those who have commented are
Fjord
False Face
James
Hollowhorn
Stuballs
UHB
I think I could just about manage to arrange for this group to visit the model in storage.
FF I was told that the model was started in the 1960s and was last updated in 1996.
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Stuball
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I'd love a closer look :)
I'll bring a feather duster too.... give it a quick once over on behalf of GCC
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falseface
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| Alex Glass wrote: | Don't wish to upset anyone but there may be an opportunity to have a group visit this so that a comprehensive collection of photos can be made of the model.
This would be a very limited offer and I would like to offer this to those who have already posted on this thread. I think those who have commented are
Fjord
False Face
James
Hollowhorn
Stuballs
UHB
I think I could just about manage to arrange for this group to visit the model in storage.
FF I was told that the model was started in the 1960s and was last updated in 1996. |
cheers Alex on the date I thought it was early 60's was the kick off date
Aye a visit would be good thanks
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Delmont St Xavier
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Armed with some maps of the city, cans of compressed air and small detail brushes along with some tender loving care - this model could easily be restored by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The next question would have to be where would it be displayed? People's Palace would be my first choice and then it could go on tour around the city. Such a shame to have such an interesting collection gathering dust and not on display.
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falseface
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| Delmont St Xavier wrote: | Armed with some maps of the city, cans of compressed air and small detail brushes along with some tender loving care - this model could easily be restored by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The next question would have to be where would it be displayed? People's Palace would be my first choice and then it could go on tour around the city. Such a shame to have such an interesting collection gathering dust and not on display. |
aye a wee small brush can do wonders
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Alex Glass
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| Delmont St Xavier wrote: | Armed with some maps of the city, cans of compressed air and small detail brushes along with some tender loving care - this model could easily be restored by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The next question would have to be where would it be displayed? People's Palace would be my first choice and then it could go on tour around the city. Such a shame to have such an interesting collection gathering dust and not on display. |
Spot on Del
I understand it was offered to the Lighthouse in 1999 but they didn't feel it was appropriate for their venue and I think there was an issue about space.
To update the information I posted before:
| Quote: | A wee bit more info on the Centre Area Model the dark woods in the
model represents buildings constructed before 1950 and the model was
started in the mid sixties |
This was provided by one of the Council's Model-makers who now works on the computer graphic model.
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Unh@ppyb@st@rd
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personally I think the numpties in the Lighthouse got it wrong Peoples Palace would be great venue. I wouldnt use compressed air on it, it could do damage. I'd love a wee visit to photograph/play with a big jigsaw
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