The Tron Theatre has announced the completion of the latest phase of the Tron Steeple Project, a significant restoration of one of Glasgow’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. Dating back to the 16th century, the steeple on Argyle Street stands as the city’s third oldest building—a resilient survivor of two fires and five centuries of colorful history.
The project, funded by the Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) and the Glasgow Institute of Architecture (GIA), represents a major commitment by the Tron Theatre to preserve the city’s architectural DNA while breathing new life into the Trongate.
Art Meets History
Central to the restoration is the revitalized sculpture of St. Mungo on the steeple’s west side. Originally created in 2001 by Eduard Bersudsky of the renowned Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, the sculpture has been meticulously restored by Sergey Jakovsky. The mechanical marvel is now fully operational once more; every hour, on the hour, the legendary fish swims, the bell rings, and the bird flies, all under vibrant new lighting that activates after sunset.
Complementing this mechanical heritage is a brand-new commission by artist Kayleigh Sarah McGuinness. Installed under the steeple's archway, the sculpture responds to the building's storied past and remains illuminated throughout the night, significantly enhancing the Tron’s visual presence on the streetscape.
A Celebration of Craft
To mark the completion of this phase, the Tron will host a public event on Friday, 20 March at 5pm. The evening will feature:
Historical Insights: Niall Murphy (GCHT) and architect Scott Abercrombie (JGA) will discuss the steeple’s research findings and its 500-year evolution.
Artist Talk: Kayleigh Sarah McGuinness will share the creative process behind her modern installation.
Exclusive Tours: Attendees can join a guided tour of the new artworks and the restored kinetic St. Mungo.
In addition to the physical works, the Tron commissioned GMac to produce three short films documenting the restoration process and the building’s heritage, ensuring the steeple’s story is captured for future generations.
This event is free to the public, though tickets must be booked in advance at tron.co.uk.
