2-979-785 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Glasgow Cathedral Restored, 1857. 'Heavy wooden galleries were introduced...constructed in such a manner as to throw their whole weight horizontally against the outer walls and columns of the choir, which were, accordingly, greatly bulged, to the extreme peril of the entire building...Recently the wealthy and enterprising Corporation of Glasgow, assisted by Government, have made a clean sweep of these vandalisms: the central arch is cleared, which opens up the fine vista...the plaster has been removed from the face of the walls, and the galleries have been replaced with appropriate stalls and beaches; the new pulpit [has been] made of oak at least 700 years old, taken from some of the original roof beams which it became necessary to remove...Mr. Matheson, architect of her Majesty's Board of Works for Scotland, was the gentleman employed in these recent restorations'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.