When visiting Glasgow recently, as I wrote last week, I found an unexpected connection to Australia. During the same visit, as I walked away from the Glasgow Cathedral, I found another.
This giant mural was painted by Australian artist Sam Bates, also known as Smug. Born in the small town of Nowra, New South Wales (about three hours south of Sydney), he has lived and worked in Glasgow for 16 years.
The mural is beloved to Glaswegians and depicts a modern-day representation of Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint. The birds in the mural symbolize the story of the Bird that Never Flew, one of St. Mungo’s miracles. The nearby Glasgow Cathedral is the final resting place of St. Mungo.
The mural is beloved to Glaswegians and depicts a modern-day representation of Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint. The birds in the mural symbolize the story of the Bird that Never Flew, one of St. Mungo’s miracles. The nearby Glasgow Cathedral is the final resting place of St. Mungo.
As a follow up to St. Mungo, Smug painted another mural at the corner of High Street and George Street. Here, St. Mungo is breastfed by his mother St. Enoch. Again, a bird appears in the mural.
Photo courtesy of Glasgow City Centre Strategy https://www.glasgowcitycentrestrategy.com/new-city-centre-mural.htm
Smug has painted several other murals in Glasgow, and his work is known for both its photorealism and gentle humor.
I happened upon this mural by Smug, which was commissioned for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Tucked beneath the Kingston Bridge, the swimmers look as if they’re competing in the chilly River Clyde.
I happened upon this mural by Smug, which was commissioned for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Tucked beneath the Kingston Bridge, the swimmers look as if they’re competing in the chilly River Clyde.
The mural below remembers that people are not the only residents of Glasgow. These animals can be found in Glasgow’s parks and green spaces.
Photo courtesy of Jamie and Ivana at https://www.wanderintwo.com/glasgow-free-mural-trail/glasgow-mural-trail-smug-one-fellow-glasgow-residents/
Near Central Station is this mural of a girl with a magnifying glass. Towering above pedestrians, it looks as if she’s ready to pick up something or someone.
Photo courtesy of Street Art 360 - https://streetart360.net/2017/06/12/glasgow-street-art-guide-and-interactive-map/
This video excerpt from a Rick Steves’ episode about Glasgow includes one theory about this mural along with a look at street art by Smug and other artists.
Finding signs of Australia in Glasgow reminded me that the world is interconnected and sometimes it feels like a smaller, cozier place.
Finding signs of Australia in Glasgow reminded me that the world is interconnected and sometimes it feels like a smaller, cozier place.
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