Glasgow High Court

The Wisdom Frieze
Brief: ‘To decorate the balcony with text which reflects the Scottish Court Service’s commitment to a compassionate and inclusive system of justice’.

Portuguese limestone, 1997
h.100cm, w.3500cm.

Gary Breeze began his long association with the agency Art In Partnership in Scotland when he won a competition to design a frieze for the new extension to the High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow. The Scottish Court Service has always regarded the system of justice in Scotland to be based on wisdom and compassion. Using quotations from John Hume’s Commentaries On The Law of Scotland, Breeze sought two further texts to represent the word of Man and the word of God regarding the subject of Wisdom. These three texts were then carved in different styles to reflect their content.

‘From many comments I have received from a wide variety of individuals, it would appear to be universally felt that [the] work is greatly admired for its style, content and appropriateness to its environment. From discussions with the Lord Justice General I know that he and the Princess Royal shared a deep appreciation for its qualities … thank you for the quite incredible efforts expended in the creation of a unique and highly relevant work of art which is so comfortably integrated into this Court building.’

Project Sponsor, July 1998