Under The Shed

New shed installed, it was time to shift the old one, under which were stored two pairs of stained glass windows. I have been racking my brains to remember exactly when I obtained them, although the circumstances are very clear in my mind.

In the mid-late 1990's I worked regular days within the old Royal Infirmary and used to pass the building (approximate original position marked on the map; I believe it had been the New Tollcross Cinema, 140 Lauriston Place, which opened in 1912) on my way home, admiring the large stained glass windows on the upper floor, which I thought so similar to those (Glasgow School) of my church, Central Hall, which opened in 1901.  Out of the blue, to my horror, I saw that the building was under demolition and was concerned for those windows - would they be reduced to rubble? They should be rescued without delay.

There began a series of attempts to speak to whoever was in charge, which ended with a conversation in the site workman's hut, (complete with teapot on the boil), being assured that the large windows were spoken for (much relief) but the smaller ones above were not - and if I wanted them I must get them myself.

Which, needing no further invitation, I did: one evening shortly afterwards Mr Flum and I climbed up two (or was it three?) floors of scaffolding, armed with pliers and screwdrivers, to prise out the century-old pins holding the wooden battens to release the window frames. There were one or two casualties of cracked glass, where a part just would not shift, but we returned home with our prize, astonished that not one member of the public noticed our activity or considered it worthy of a call to the police.

The windows were placed under the shed to protect them from the elements and there they have lain; I did hope they might be useful to the church in some planned alterations, but these never came to pass; our building was sold and the internal stained glass has been removed (oh! how I wish I knew what became of that...).

I'd love to hear from anyone who can recall that building but, now the windows have come to light I must see if repairs are feasible and find a way of displaying them.

Edit: Here is a  nice colour photo of the building, with the shaped upper windows of my blip, though, regrettably, the pattern of the larger ones beneath cannot be seen.