St Andrew's Cathedral
Despite many internal changes to St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Gothic exterior has remained largely unchanged and the building is an elegant and striking architectural feature situated adjacent to the River Clyde.
Despite many internal changes to St Andrew’s Cathedral, (the interior was refurbished by Pugin & Pugin in 1889 when the building became a Cathedral, and the same company made further additions between 1889 and 1904) the Gothic exterior has remained largely unchanged and the building is an elegant and striking architectural feature situated adjacent to the River Clyde.
After many years of developing a series of proposals, funding difficulties were overcome through the help of Historic Scotland, the local community and the client for the building: The Archdiocese of Glasgow.
The purpose of the proposed works was twofold: The fabric of the existing Cathedral building required conservation and repair to ensure its long-term integrity for the future. Secondly, the Cathedral was not large enough to fulfil its intended purpose as the principal church of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the seat of its Archbishop. Through a number of interventions, it was intended that the space available for the functioning of the existing building be increased in order that the Cathedral could function satisfactorily into the 21st Century.
This project gave the opportunity to undertake a concentrated programme of repair and conservation work to ensure the long-term integrity of the building. The Cathedral was closed for the duration of the Contract and this allowed works to be undertaken that would otherwise compromise the functioning of the building.
Following detailed historical research, surveys and analysis of the existing historic building fabric, it was determined that the following repair and conservation works should be undertaken:
Roof slating, repairs to sarking and any structural timbers. The renewal of all defective leadwork. Stonework repairs including indenting and re-pointing, particularly at high level and to pinnacles. It was discovered during the works that nearly all of the pinnacles required taking down, reinforcing and rebuilding. A full programme of conservation has been undertaken on the stained glass as part of the project.
The renovation of the existing internal finishes to walls and ceiling including an extensive scheme of redecoration was undertaken. The existing walls indicated signs of stone false work and in various areas this has been highlighted through the use of trompe l'oeil painter work. A rich bold colour scheme including much gold leaf has been introduced based upon the colours within the stained glass windows.
Also included was the renewal of the existing Cathedral floor including the replacement of the existing finish with slate and marble tiles. A new energy efficient underfloor heating system was installed throughout. All existing services systems have been removed and new installed. The services replacement included the installation of new anodised aluminium chandeliers coloured to compliment the new gold leaf details of the decoration scheme and included LED energy efficient lighting.
Interventions within the existing Cathedral include the enlargement of openings and inclusion of new bronze clad doors to the East and West Elevations to give access to the new cloister and offices to the West due prominence and scale whilst maintaining the existing architectural language and integrity of the building.
Full building maintenance access has been sensitively incorporated into the existing structure – particularly into the high level attic and roof spaces.
The external enclosing elements of a new cloister have been constructed to the South East of the existing Cathedral. (The internal glazed wall and roof will be built as part of a future phase of works). The cloister includes a landscaped area at its centre where a monument to the Arandora Star disaster has been constructed to the designs of Maria Giulia Chiarini Testa an Italian designer. Both the internal and external elements of the cloister will provide the Cathedral with overflow space following services and this will link with a proposed new café within the ground floor of the existing presbytery building therefore linking the elements of the site. The east and south elevations of the cloister are formed using granite associating the new intervention with the stone of the existing cathedral. The use of stone is continued within the extension and the use of materials – bronze, lead and stone, reflects and reinforces the import of the existing building.
Unfortunately the Main Contractor went into liquidation half way through the contract and therefore the client decided to proceed with the works on a work package basis, employing sub-contractors directly.
In addition to the cloister, a number of new commissioned works of art have been inserted into the existing building fabric including a new font by artist Tim Pomeroy, a new painting by Peter Howson of Blessed John Ogilvie (the only post Reformation Scottish Saint) and new doors by the artist Jack Sloan.
Following considerable negotiation with Historic Scotland and the Planning Department, for the first time in it’s history, wheelchair access to the cathedral is available from the main south elevation via ramped access.
Costs
The works cost for the project amounted to £3,906,000
