Glasgow street art is taking over Instagram

Glasgow has always been bursting with cultural expression, from music to museums to history and heritage. However, there is one aspect of Glasgow's culture that is taking over – street art!

Article Source: TransPennine Express
Last Updated: 29 August 2019 18:45

The first paintings stretch back to the 1970s, when socialist-influenced murals were developed. However, the scene exploded over the last 10 years when Glasgow City Council promoted public art to clean up the city and presented an opportunity to develop local artists. Over 12,000 Instagram posts have been dedicated to the murals that adorn Glasgow’s streets. An analysis by TransPennine Express has revealed that Glasgow is one of the top cities in the North of the UK for street art, ranking third.

Photorealism artist Smug is putting Glasgow on the map with his murals, with the pieces ‘Saint Mungo’ and ‘Fellow Glasgow Residents’ named the most popular in the North in June and July. The research also looked at Glasgow’s most Instagrammed street art.

1. Saint Mungo - Smug
Smug’s most popular artwork depicts Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint, in modern clothes. It is said that in the 6th Century, boys from Mungo’s village were throwing stones at robins, and one bird fell over. Mungo ran to it and prayed over the bird, and it flew away a while later. The villagers called it a miracle, and Smug chose to depict this in the mural, with modern day Mungo holding a robin. You can find this piece on the High Street.

2. Fellow Glasgow Residents, Smug (Pictured, photo credit @rssvision)
This enormous mural adorns the side of Ingram Street Car Park. It was commissioned by the Glasgow City Council with support by the NCP. In this bright piece, you will spot some of the varied wildlife that lives in Glasgow’s green spaces and parks throughout the seasons, such as squirrels, foxes, bees, birds and highland cows.

3. Crazy Cat Lady, Rogue One
One of Glasgow’s most celebrated street artists, Rogue One, created this fun, innocent artwork to spruce up an area that looked slightly tired on Sauchiehall Street. It depicts a lady knitting with three cars playing around her feet. This crazy cat lady even has feline inspired slippers, and Grumpy Cat wallpaper.

4. Saint Enoch and Child, Smug
Complimenting the image of Saint Mungo, this mural on High Street interprets the founding story of Glasgow; St Thenue/Enoch cradling her beloved St Kentigern/Mungo. The tenderness of the image is partly what makes it so popular, with many Instagrammers stating it reminds them of their relationship with their children.

5. Glasgow's Tiger, Klingatron & Art Pistol
This piece on Clyde Street by Klingatron and Art Pistol replaced another mural of a tiger, which was very popular, having been commissioned in 2010 by Tiger Beer. The new piece was initially met with scepticism as people thought it was too literal and less bright than the original tiger, but it is now one of Glasgow’s most popular pieces.

6. Honey... I Shrunk the Kids, Smug
An enormous photorealistic piece on Mitchell Street by Smug pays tribute to the film of the same name. It shows a girl with a magnifying glass who appears to be picking an object up off the street. If you position the photo correctly, it can look like she is picking up people.

7. Wind Power, Rogue One & Art Pistol
This pretty piece by Rogue One and Art Pistol was originally conceived as a live installation. It celebrates sustainable energy production in Glasgow and Scotland as a whole. It is located on Mitchell Street – one of four pieces in the top 10 to be found here, showing this area is a real thriving street art hotspot.

8. The World's Most Economical Taxi, Rogue One
Rogue One created another cool, conceptual piece with this taxi-powered-by-balloons depicted on Mitchell Street. The attention to detail is astounding – the artist painted a brick wall on to a brick wall, after all.

9. Glasgow's Panda, Klingatron
It’s well documented that Scotland loves a panda, after the nation was captured by the story of Tian Tian and Yang Guang, two giant pandas from Edinburgh Zoo. Thanks to Klingatron, Glasgow has one too – living beside the bamboo gates of Gordon Lane, off Mitchell Street.

10. Boba Fett, Rogue One
Rogue One rounds out the top 10 with one of his newest pieces, depicting Boba Fett from Star Wars. The piece was painted during the recent Yardworks Festival and can be found on Eastvale Place, at the popular SWG3 event space.

You can see all of Glasgow’s most Instagrammed street art, as well as other pieces around the North of the UK , via the TransPennine Express website.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK

Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.

Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas

Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal

National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery

The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.

Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub

Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort

Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.

Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025

Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.

First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn

East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups

Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show

Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!

Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy

Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

From The Gannet to Eleven Fifty Five: Peter McKenna announces new Argyle Street restaurant

Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow, are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five, in its place in Finnieston early next year.

Glasgow Fort to welcome new Mexican restaurant this week

Mezcal, the lively Mexican street-food restaurant, is set to open its doors at Glasgow Fort on Wednesday 26th November, bringing even more choice for visitors ahead of the festive period.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time returns to Glasgow in March 2027

A brand-new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time based on the internationally celebrated novel comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in March 2027!

MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!

Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!

Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries

Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.

The Maclean Brothers row onto Celtic Connections bill as new wave of shows announced

The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the world-renowned Celtic Connections bill, it has been announced.

BBC CBeebies starts the panto season at Glasgow cinemas

The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Glasgow from Friday 21st November.

The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the largest Black Friday Theatre Sale in the UK

As part of Trafalgar Entertainment, customers can now access some of the best theatre ticket deals for shows at the Pavilion Theatre as well as unmissable productions in the West End.

BBC ALBA Hogmanay Ceilidh to broadcast live from Glasgow

BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music's biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Glasgow street art is taking over Instagram

Glasgow has always been bursting with cultural expression, from music to museums to history and heritage. However, there is one aspect of Glasgow's culture that is taking over – street art!

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings