Kelvin Way Bridge

Category: Marker/Sign/Street Furniture

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Kelvin Way Bridge, Kelvin Way
This ornate bridge was built in 1914 and crosses the River Kelvin towards the long tree-lined boulevard of Kelvin Way. This 60 foot wide bridge is marked at its four corners with outstanding bronze castings of allegorical figures representing a number of different themes. Moving clockwise from the group nearest the Museum, the figures show: Commerce & Industry, Philosophy & Inspiration, Peace & War, and Navigation & Shipbuilding. With the statues being erected just after the First World War, figures such as Peace & War would have had a very moving effect.

The other figures represent qualities and industries which Glasgow prides itself on. It is worth taking a good look at the details and what the figures seem to be doing. For example, Industry shows a powerful man resting after his work, with a sledge-hammer in his hand. The sculptures were made by Paul R. Montford (1868-1938) and were cast by A.B. Burton, Founders, of Thames Ditton. A small plaque explains that the figures were damaged during a German bombing raid in 1941. The repairs were completed in 1951, with the assistance of the well-known Scottish sculptor Benno Schotz (1891-1984).