Glasgow Requiem: The Well
October – December 2025
Glasgow’s Wellspring: Reawakening a Forgotten Source
St Mungo’s Well
Hidden deep within the Crypt of Glasgow Cathedral lies one of the city’s oldest treasures – 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 seeks to reawaken this extraordinary site as a Wellspring for Glasgow, restoring its visibility and meaning as a place of blessing, wishing and reflection for all.
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, a new artwork will be installed inside the well: a circular mosaic created by Aproxima Creative Collective including acclaimed Scottish artist Joanna Kessel, Creative Director Angus Farquhar, Lead Designer James Johnson and structural engineers David Narro Associates. Formed from over 1,000 handblown coloured glass tiles, made by Orsoni Venezia 1888, each inlaid with gold leaf, the mosaic will shimmer 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 will be the first mosaic of its kind installed within a historic well.
The Well Concert
Fri 5 December, 8pm & Sat 6 December, 6pm and 8pm
The rededication of the well will be celebrated with three powerful new events in Glasgow Cathedral, blending voices, pipes and organ with narration and storytelling. The programme features new music by Karine Polwart, Claire M Singer, who also performs, and new choral works by Cameron Sinclair. Performers include Siobhan Miller, the Glasgow Madrigirls, the Maryhill Integration Network Joyous Choir, and piper Harry Gorski-Brown. The music will be interspersed with narration by acclaimed actor Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot, Vigil), bringing to life the forgotten story of the well. The concert is directed by Angus Farquhar, with design by James Johnson and dramaturgy and co-Direction by Purni Morell and produced by Juliet Dean.
Audiences can also pre-book a timed slot to visit the well and view the new mosaic in the Crypt, either before or after the concert.
Tickets: £18 (+£1 booking fee)
Through The Well, Aproxima continues its mission to connect people with place, history and each other. As a deeply symbolic site of healing, connection and shared tradition, the well has the potential to once again draw people together - in solidarity, welcome, and peace.
The Well is the latest strand of Aproxima’s five-year Glasgow Requiem programme and also part of Glasgow 850, a year-long celebration marking 850 years since the city gained Burgh status, in 1175.
The Well is supported by the Glasgow City Council G850 Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the William Grant Foundation, the Mickel Trust, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, The Tom Farmer Foundation, The Robin Leith Trust, The Mercers’ Company, The City Charitable Company, Robin Hardie, Andrew Mickel, Mary Ann Sutherland and the William Syson Foundation.
Part of Glasgow 850
