Emma Historic Environment Scotland is seeking views on a proposal to list the Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow’s west end at Category B
A Glasgow restaurant famous for its links to the artistic and cultural community of the city’s west-end, and in particular Scottish author and artist Alasdair Gray, could soon become a listed building, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) launched a public consultation on a proposal to list the Ubiquitous Chip at Category B.
The Ubiquitous Chip was established in 1971 and moved to its current Ashton Lane premises in 1974, occupying a former stables and livery yard.
The interior of the site includes two painted murals by Gray which are important examples of both his work, and of wider 20th century public art in Scotland. Florid Jungle is a dense and colourful jungle scene located in the restaurant’s courtyard area, while Arcadia depicts friends, employees and regular customers in a leafy outdoor setting among tables with food and drinks. The mural also incorporates quotes and aphorisms by Gray, including “Work as if You Live in the Early Days of a Better Nation”, which he paraphrased from Canadian poet Dennis Lee.
Gray created the murals at the Ubiquitous Chip in 1977 and 1980-81, shortly before publication of his landmark debut novel Lanark in 1981. Gray was a regular customer of ‘The Chip’, and he designed the murals specifically for their locations within the restaurant.
Born in 1934, Alasdair Gray’s unique vision spanned multiple mediums over the course of his life – from plays, poems, novels and political essays to paintings, prints, drawings and murals. A key focus for the Glasgow artist was creating artworks in public spaces, including pubs, churches and parks.
Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said:
“Alasdair Gray is one of Scotland’s most well-known cultural figures of the 20th and 21st centuries, and one the country’s most significant mural artists. Gray’s murals at the Ubiquitous Chip are rare examples of late 20th century public mural art, as well as important surviving examples of his work.
“Listing the site would ensure that the cultural significance of the building and its murals can be recognised and taken into account in any decisions about its future. We would encourage anyone who has views on our proposals or information that can help inform our decision to take part in the consultation.”
Take part in the consultation
Take part in the consultation which will run until Thursday 19 February, by clicking here.
