October – December 2025
Glasgow’s Wellspring: Reawakening a Forgotten Source
Hidden deep within the lower church of Glasgow Cathedral lies one of the city’s oldest treasures – originally known as St Mungo’s Well, an ancient site, once at the heart of both pagan and Christian ritual. For centuries, pilgrims travelled from across Europe to seek its healing waters, which played a central role in the birth of Glasgow. Yet despite its immense historical and spiritual significance, the well has been largely forgotten, locked away and unstudied for over 70 years.
The Well reawakened this extraordinary site as a Wellspring for Glasgow, restoring its visibility and meaning as a place of blessing, wishing and reflection for all.
Film by Chris Leslie
The Well Excavation
On 21 October 2025, the well was excavated for the first time in living memory giving the public a rare chance to see archaeology in action. In 2026, Aproxima plans an exhibition of the objects recovered from the well, shedding new light on the city’s origins.
Images and video by Chris Leslie
The Well Mosaic
In November 2025, a new artwork was installed inside the well: a circular mosaic created by Aproxima Creative Collective with mosaicist Joanna Kessel, Creative Director Angus Farquhar, Lead Designer James Johnson, Producer Dolly Dean and structural engineers David Narro Associates.
Formed from 957 handblown coloured glass tiles, made by Orsoni Venezia 1888, each inlaid with gold leaf, the mosaic shimmers with light and water, echoing the colours of the cathedral’s stained-glass windows, while honouring the well’s symbolic role as a source of life, hope and healing.
Built using cutting-edge aerospace technology by TRB Lightweight Solutions Ltd, to ensure its durability for centuries to come, it is the first mosaic of its kind installed within a historic well.
The Well Concert
The rededication of the well was celebrated with two powerful concerts in Glasgow Cathedral.
The programme featured new music by Karine Polwart, Claire M Singer, who also performed, and new choral works by Cameron Sinclair. Performers included Siobhan Miller, the Glasgow Madrigirls, the Maryhill Integration Network Joyous Choir, piper Harry Gorski-Brown and Michael Bonaventure.
The music was interspersed with narration by acclaimed actor Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot, Vigil), bringing to life the forgotten story of the well. The concert was directed by Angus Farquhar, with design by James Johnson and dramaturgy and co-Direction by Purni Morell and produced by Juliet Dean.
