The Lion and Unicorn Staircase

A Gothic Masterpiece in Stone

Tucked within the West Quadrangle of the University of Glasgow, the Lion and Unicorn Staircase is a breathtaking example of 19th-century Gothic Revival design. Crafted from fine sandstone, the staircase rises in a series of broad, shallow steps beneath a soaring pointed arch, creating a sense of grandeur and solemnity. The stonework is richly detailed, with carved tracery, finials, and heraldic motifs that reflect the university’s long academic and civic traditions. As you stand at the foot of the stairs, the scale and craftsmanship invite a moment of pause, a reminder of the building’s role as a temple of learning.

Guardians of the Staircase

The staircase takes its name from the two magnificent stone beasts that flank its base: the lion and the unicorn, symbols of the United Kingdom. These heraldic creatures are rendered with a blend of regal dignity and playful detail, their manes and horns intricately carved, their postures both watchful and welcoming. They serve as symbolic guardians, marking the transition from the open quadrangle into the more formal, scholarly spaces above. Around them, smaller carvings of grotesques, foliage, and mythical beasts add layers of whimsy and symbolism, rewarding close inspection with hidden faces and fantastical forms.

Heart of the West Quad

Located in the West Quadrangle, the staircase is part of the grand Gilbert Scott Building complex, one of the most photographed parts of the university. The quadrangle itself is a serene, grassy courtyard surrounded by cloisters and lecture halls, often used for graduation celebrations and quiet study. The Lion and Unicorn Staircase forms a natural focal point, drawing visitors and students alike to linger, photograph, or simply absorb the atmosphere. Its position makes it a natural meeting place and a symbolic threshold between the everyday and the academic.

Atmosphere and Light

The staircase’s character changes dramatically with the light and weather. On a bright day, sunlight streams through the arch, casting sharp shadows and highlighting the texture of the stone. In overcast or rainy conditions, the sandstone takes on a softer, almost ethereal glow, and the space feels more intimate and mysterious. The acoustics are distinctive: footsteps echo softly, and voices carry in a way that adds to the sense of being in a sacred or ceremonial space. This interplay of light, sound, and stone makes the staircase a compelling place to visit at different times of day and year.

Symbolism and Student Life

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Lion and Unicorn Staircase is woven into the fabric of student life. It is a traditional backdrop for graduation photos, where students pose with their families beneath the arch, often with the lion and unicorn at their feet. The staircase also embodies the university’s blend of tradition and modernity: while the building is steeped in history, it houses contemporary academic departments and is used daily by students and staff. This duality—ancient stone and modern scholarship—gives the staircase a layered significance that resonates with both visitors and the university community.