This red sandstone building is part of Glasgow's folklore. The People's Palace is located south-east of the city centre, on the edge of the Merchant City near the River Clyde.
Glasgow City Council has received a commendation for its work restoring and relocating the Doulton Fountain, at the entry to the People's Palace.
The Arts and Crafts Architecture Awards run by the Saltire Society, are given to works of art or craft that successfully enhance and enrich ancient and modern buildings.
The £3.75m project was part of the £15.5m facelift of the historic Glasgow Green.
The panel visited sixteen projects over four days and on seeing the Doulton Fountain in July, judges "recognised the craftsmanship and sensitive use of material demonstrated by the company Ibstock Hathernware in this major reconstruction of a fine Victorian commemorative fountain."
The Fountain, which is floodlit at night, is the centrepiece of a new civic setting in front of the People's Palace. It was commended in particular for the impact that the fountain's new siting and related earthworks and gardens has on the entire outlook of the People's Palace.
Councillor Aileen Colleran, Convener of Glasgow City Council's Parks and Facilities Committee said: "Restoring the Doulton Fountain to its former glory was a massive project undertaken by our Land Services team and our partners.
"A lot of painstakingly hard work went into regenerating this much loved landmark. To receive such recognition from the Saltire Society is truly rewarding."
Glasgow's Doulton Fountain is the largest terracotta fountain in the world and best surviving example of its kind. It has five tiers, is 46 foot high and 70 foot across the base, a third of the length of a football pitch.
Queen Victoria stands on top of the fountain, looking towards the People's Palace. She is adorned with exquisitely crafted robes, symbols of office and jewellery, all in terracotta.
Restoring the magnificent edifice to its former glory started with a piece-by-piece analysis of each of the 2,500 terracotta pieces. Ibstock Hathernware - one of two British firms with the required terracotta expertise - carried out Restoration work, aided by Glasgow firm, Hunter and Clark who dismantled the fountain, photographed and catalogued every piece.
21 Nov 2005
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