Govan War Memorial (1922)

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Built of unpolished pale grey granite, the Govan War Memorial was designed in the form of a mercat cross, and on plan is at its widest approximately 3200mm across: the bottom steps are 1325mm long each along the outer edge. The memorial comprises a three-times stepped base; a core monument that has a base and battlemented top over an entablature (architrave, frieze and cornice); and, finally, a tapering octagonal shaft topped by a lion rampart holding a saltire-decorated shield in its forepaws. The memorial may have an inner core built in solid brick and mortar, or quite possibly concrete, and will have a foundation just below pavement level. The structure seems reasonably plumb despite the best efforts of the tree alongside.

The three steps diminish slightly in height, from 200mm to 190mm. They are broken-bonded to prevent the joints occurring at the corners, and the bottom course - where the steps are biggest and heaviest - is split into more sections than the two above. The joints are almost all open (some quite wide), and some of the steps have becoming slightly dislodged, particularly at the south-east corner and on the second tier.

The base of the core monument is 450mm high, and the total height from ground level to the underside of the cornice with projecting heads is 2690mm. The decorated and inscribed panels are approximately 490mm wide, and the sculpted heads 200mm high with a projection of around 130mm beyond the cornice face (which itself protrudes around 90mm). Decoration is simple and stylish; the principal (south) face has a finely lettered bronze plaque bearing the Govan coat of arms (NIHIL SINE LABORE – Nothing without work) and a dedication in bas relief reading ERECTED IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF GOVAN WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1919. The three remaining principal faces, west, east and north, are decorated with matching incised carvings of a sword and wreath. The intermediate panels bear the names of battles, on the south-east face, FALKLAND Is, JUTLAND and ZEEBRUGE (all naval battles) have been carved in a slightly different style from the others. The north-east face bears the names PALESTINE, SALONICA and MESOPOTAMIA (army battles), the north-west face, LOOS, PASCHENDALE and GALIPOLI (sic), and the south-west face, YPRES, SOMME and MONS. The eight faces – all of which are in good condition – are separated by engaged posts topped with caps and thistles, and decorated full height with a simple interlacing pattern.

The bronze plaque has a large patch of verdigris on the lettering, but is otherwise in good order. Similarly, the carved granite is crisp and the flat surfaces are in respectable order, although there is some graffiti on the north face, and algae spotting from the north-facing orientation.

The bas relief frieze above the panelled sides carries the legend THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE: blocky and uncomplicated, it is in good order. The cornice above this (which is a little deteriorated on the underside) features four projecting carved heads, two matching sets to the north and south depicting a “tommy” (soldier) and a sailor. They are particularly fine, and in good condition. The battlemented top above the cornice exhibits some staining where the sloping “roof” behind discharges rainwater down the face (although this is not serious), and the shaft and finely carved lion appear to be in remarkably good condition. Since there is no information on how the column is supported or secured to the base, a check on its stability should be carried out.
In general, there are a number of open joints – both horizontal and vertical - where the original white lime putty mortar has washed or fallen out. That aside, the structure, being of granite, has survived well, and is hearteningly free of malicious damage. There are no wreath hangers, an omission that means that poppy wreaths tend to blow away if left on the steps.

Although the memorial now appears patchy, when viewed in period photographs (while the tree alongside was in its infancy), it appeared uniformly bright, almost white in appearance. Its current stained and irregular condition, while not serious, is almost certainly due to the proximity of what is now an overly large tree. Although branches at low level have been recently trimmed, the tree continues to be a problematic feature of the setting, discolouring the memorial (and causing moss growth on its north face at high level), and also badly affecting the west exit frontage of the Pearce Institute. It is the sole survivor of two rows of trees that were probably intended to be ornamental, but were planted too close to the building (and memorial). The other trees, which were located in the garden west of the institute, have now been removed.

The discolouration of the granite that has been caused by the tree seems to have necessitated the use of power washing in advance of Armistice Day, and while no damage has been caused by this, the washing appears to extend only up to cornice height, leaving the higher levels noticeably more stained.

Although the monument is in generally fair condition, the setting is significantly less so. It seems that there was once a gated entrance to the garden close to the Pearce Institute, and probably wrought iron railings. The stone gate piers and gates that can be seen in period photographs may have been relocated to the gateway to the burial ground (although, if so, the carved decoration has been removed from the pillars), and the railings have been replaced with simple mild steel fencing. Despite recent re-decoration, these railings are distorted, are missing a length (and one half of the vehicular gate), and provide a poor backdrop for the memorial. There is a length of heras fencing, and some abandoned timber battens. The garden is used as a car park, appears unloved, and provides a poor introduction to a nationally important church: the gateway off Govan Road is particularly inauspicious. The sandstone wall on the western boundary of the approach route may have been rebuilt following the demolition of the tenement alongside.
The pavement is poor in both condition and appearance: the chequerboard patterning of the concrete slabs is dated, and a number have risen badly where tree roots have disrupted the surface. This, apart from being unsightly, is a trip hazard. Adding to the air of neglect, there are three unattractive Scottish Water stop valve markers near the railings, and the tarmac to the main pavement is broken and uneven. There is also an allen-screwed metal cover in the ground into which a post may have once fitted, and if this is no longer in use it should be removed.

The lime tree - source of most of the deterioration - is also impacting on the western exit facade of the Pearce Institute, where the branches overhang badly, probably filling the (leaking) gutter, and exacerbating the lichen and algae building up on the stonework. Aside from the failed gutter, this part of the institute also has a rotted door, rusting rainwater pipe, missing lamp and deteriorating armorial panel (that should really be consolidated by a specialist).