A beautiful example of the craftsmanship that went into the construction of the Kibble Palace[1].

Kibble Palace is a 19th century iron framed glasshouse, covering 2137 m2. It was constructed at its current location in 1873, but was originally designed and built by John Kibble for his home at Coulport on Loch Long in the 1860s. It was brought up the River Clyde by barge, to the Botanic Gardens where it was re-assembled and enlarged.

It was initially used as an exhibition and concert venue, before being used for growing plants from the 1880s. Benjamin Disraeli and William Ewart Gladstone were both installed as rectors of the University of Glasgow in the palace, in 1873 and 1879 respectively.

The building structure is of curved wrought iron and glass supported by cast iron beams resting on ornate columns, surmounted on masonry foundations. The Palace is used for the cultivation of temperate plants. The main plant group is the collection of Australian tree ferns, some of which have lived here for 120 years.

In 2004 a £7 million restoration programme was initiated to repair corrosion of the ironwork. The restoration involved the complete dismantling of the Palace, and the removal of the parts to Shafton, South Yorkshire for specialised repair and conservation. The plant collection was removed completely for the first time ever and the ironwork was rebuilt over a rearranged floorplan, giving the Palace a prolonged life. It re-opened to the public in November 2006.