Chthonic Columns

Category: Public Art

St. Enoch Underground.

The word "Chthonic" means "something which lives underground" and is usually applied to a deity or god. But in this sculpture by Mark Firth, the word relates to two stainless steel columns, placed between the ceiling and floor of the underground station. One of the columns appears to have been cut off near the base, and what lies inside - like the rings of a tree - are engraved markings relating to the history of the Underground system. On the top of the column is a cool blue light which illuminates the engraved panel. This 1997 sculpture was made to commemorate the 100th Birthday of the Underground in Glasgow. The sculpture was commissioned by Art In Partnership and Strathclyde Passenger Transport. The original Underground was opened in 1896 and modernised in 1980.

These lines are finely etched into the steel, and show numbers and lines like a architect's plan.

They tell you facts about the history of the Underground system.