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Tuesday 16 Jun 2026

Historic Mackintosh design brought back to life at Glasgow Central

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A new ceramic mural celebrating the work of Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh has been unveiled at Glasgow Central Station.  

Created by Make It Glasgow and commissioned by Network Rail Scotland, Drooko now greets passengers in the stairwell at the Argyle Street exit on the lower level of the station. 

The mural reimagines a rare 1890s advertising design by Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh and her sister Frances. The original survives only in fragmentary photographs held by The Hunterian at Glasgow University, with the new piece bringing it back to life in colour using ceramic decals and handmade tiles. 

In a contemporary twist, the surrounding tiles are made using a “smog-glaze”, an art material created from dust collected at the station 

With additional funding from the Railway Heritage Trust, the project has brought together teams from across Scotland’s Railway, including ScotRail, alongside cultural partners: The Hunterian Art Gallery and Museum, University of Glasgow, Glasgow City Archives, Mitchell Library, Alasdair Gray Archive, and The Glasgow School of Art. 

The installation also adds to the station’s wider artistic story, linking to existing works including the concourse mosaics by Jude Burkhauser and the legacy of the Glasgow Girls. 

Catherine Ospedale, director of communications at Network Rail Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic example of what can happen when people come together with a shared vision. The mural not only celebrates Glasgow’s artistic heritage but also shows how our stations can be places of creativity and community.” 

Yvonne Blair, programme controls manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to help bring this project to life, working with such a talented group of partners. The mural reflects both the rich heritage of Glasgow Central and the collaborative spirit of the railway today, creating something that passengers can enjoy for years to come.” 

Louise Nolan, co-director of Make It Glasgow, said: “It’s been a privilege to reimagine Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh’s work and bring it into such a busy public space. Using smog from the station in the tiles connects the past and present in a direct, human way.” 

Paul McKay, ScotRail communications director, said: “It’s great to see this new mural on the Glasgow Central Low Level stairwell where thousands of people will be able to appreciate it every day. 

“The artwork gives this part of the station a creative boost, and ScotRail is proud to be a part of this reimagining of the city’s cultural heritage with its links to the famous Glasgow Girls.”