Bower building, University of Glasgow, photographed from University Avenue in the 1950s. The building housed the Plant Sciences branch of the University's Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences.
On the 24 October 2001 the Bower Building was severely damaged by fire. The laboratories and equipment belonging to six major research groups were destroyed, along with a study library, computer cluster, and IBLS undergraduate office. The Bower was also home to one of the earliest biological laboratories in Britain, and a wealth of historical material, including rare botanical specimens and texts. Although a great deal was lost, some books, pictures, and memorabilia were recovered. The salvaged material included a signed engraving of Charles Darwin, microscopes and other equipment and rare wax model flowers.
Fortunately the building did not have to be demolished, although some dangerous sections of the east gable were removed, and in 2003 work is continuing on a projected two year project to re-instate the building with its original front, at an estimated cost of £6 million.
Reference: Glasgow University Archive Services, PHU9/1
University of Glasgow
Keywords:
botany, Bower Building, fires, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, pepperpot turrets, scientific instruments, Scots Baronial, University of Glasgow buildings
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