Students soldier on to create sculpture for key historic site
STUDENTS in Glasgow have carved their way into history after contributing to a new sculpture on the site of an ancient wall.
The City of Glasgow College stonemasonry learners recreated a towering Roman head which will sit at the Nethercroy site of the Antonine Wall.
Named Silvanus, after the Roman god of the woods, following a public competition, the creation has been placed beside a new replica distance stone.
Originally found at Westerwood, Cumbernauld, the head aims to raise awareness of the significance of the historical site.
Martin Rogan, lecturer in construction at City of Glasgow College, said: “Five of our stonemasonry apprentices took on this project on top of their regular course work.
“It’s been an incredibly valuable experience for them, and an excellent example of the important working partnerships our college maintains with industry, in order to provide our students with opportunities to work on real-life projects.
“I know our apprentices are very proud to have been involved in the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project which is historical legacy generations.”
Designed by artist Svetlana Kondakova and Big Red Blacksmiths, the metal sculpture is of a Roman soldier’s head. It looks out from the line of the Antonine Wall across the Kelvin Valley towards what the Romans considered “barbarian” territory, beyond the edge of the Roman Empire.
Emma McMullen, Antonine Wall project manager at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We are delighted to launch the replica distance stone and sculpture to raise awareness of the area’s Roman heritage among the local community and for visitors to Croy Hill.
“The unique partnership with City of Glasgow College has added significant value in terms of providing opportunities for the students involved and the sculpture is already proving to be a draw to the local area, putting the Antonine Wall at Croy Hill firmly on the map.”
Lorna Bowden, planning and place manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The development of this new sculpture and stone is exciting, not just for the local community but for everyone with an interest in Roman history and the Antonine Wall.” creating a for future