Glasgow
- Clyde Navigation Trust (2)

The Scotland Guide
www.scotland-guide.co.uk
© David Williams

74

The main entrance is flanked by two ships` prows, complete with anchors, and above them are four columns which support a pediment. Within this is Poseidon (the Greek god of the sea) being paid homage, while on top he is shown with seahorses. To the left of the pediment is a statue of Thomas Telford (with dividers), and to the right are James Watt (with a steam condenser) and Henry Bell (with a model of his Comet steamboat). Above these statues are plaques and sets of `grown-up` cherubs holding various objects. Two of the plaques feature the city`s coat of arms, while the plaque above Bell has the Trust`s symbol (a lighthouse) representing Glasgow`s connections with the sea.

The main feature of the cornerpiece is the dome which rises above six fluted columns; grotesque faces decorate the base of the dome. There are two superb sculptures at roof level: on the left is Europa (the daughter of the king of Tyre) leading a bull (in reality, Zeus, chief of the gods, in disguise) and on the right is Amphitrite (wife of Poseidon), with trident in hand, driving a pair of seahorses. Below Europa is St Mungo with the city`s coat of arms and a globe, which represents Glasgow`s world-wide shipping interests. A similar sculpture is below Amphitrite.

This article is based on the guidebook "The Glasgow Guide".

Back to the main description of the building.

The Clyde Navigation Trust Building has some of the city`s finest sculpture. This is Amphitrite and a pair of seahorses.


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