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Typology - Patinated Bronze. Larger than life size, Of the Golden calf

Construction / Completion Dates – 1998 – 2000 / Installed May 2000

Description -

Dimensions – calf 1.13 m high; base 0.47m x 0.70m x 1.2m

Inscription: Running in a single line around the base

“Animals came from the horizon. They be/longed here and there. Likewise/They were immortal. Each lion was/lion and each ox was ox”

Calf by Kenny Hunter was commissioned by the Molendiner Park Housing Association as part of the redevelopment of Glasgow’s historic area surrounding the cities former cattle and meat markets. Several architectural practices were involved in the scheme as were the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, who were responsible for the restoration of the Tuscan Doric gate that forms the immediate backdrop to the statue. Grahams Square was one of five ‘millennium spaces’ targeted for imaginative urban development. Hunter originally planned to place a gilded calf on a tall column. At this early stage the artist planned to treat the calf as a ‘symbol of society living with doubt’. It’s iconographic reference coming directly from the reference from the reference to the golden calf in the Old Testament. However the artist was also influenced by contemporary cultural concerns. The calf also has many other meanings ascribed to it by different cultures and the monument was intended to be an ambiguous icon in a multi-cultural society. The referencing of the sculpture also included human development being dependant on animals (directly associated with the site which used to be an abattoir).

The sculptures design was modified after discussion with the Housing Association who was unhappy with the religious and iconographic associations. Hunter replaced the column with a simple cubic base much closer to the ground and the gold colour was replaced with a light green patination /. A garland was placed round its neck as a tribute to its unique beauty as a living creature.

The inscription is from John Berger’s essay’ Why Look at animals’ as a reminder of the complicated mixture of guilt and wonder between Man and the animal kingdom.

“ I find it fascinating that such a complex range of issues, beliefs and influences are encompassed in such a simple visual image. Though none of the work’s original meanings have been lost, only modified, the work represents transition. In my opinion this makes the monument even more affective as the area, undergoing urban redevelopment, has also made a transition” Alan Gibb HND Public Art student.

Artist -

Carver (inscription) Jonathon Kemp

Urban – Rural Context -

Rationale –

Urban regeneration. Focal point to commemorate the history of the area and humanities relationship with animals