Music of the crane

Glasgow's engineering landmark is transformed into a musical instrument

Glasgow’s iconic landmark, the Finnieston Crane, has inspired world-renowned artist Bill Fontana to create a unique work of art which transforms the crane into a musical instrument.

Fontana has attached super-sensitive microphones to the crane which can reveal sounds (caused by wind or external vibrations from the city noise) from deep within the giant structure.

A camera, also attached to the landmark, points skywards and captures light and weather patterns as they shift around the crane.

The recorded sights and sounds are beamed up to space and returned via satellite to a display just outside another architectural icon in Glasgow’s city centre, the Gallery of Modern Art.

Visitors will be able to see and hear the live feed, from the Finnieston Crane, at the gallery and online until 3rd May.

• Find out more about the installation at www.silentechoes-glasgow.com

The Finnieston Crane

Commissioned in 1926 it is one of only 60 cantilever cranes built in the world. It fell into disuse in the 1990s.

The Finnieston Crane's primary purpose was to lift heavy machinery, such as steam locomotives, onto ships for transportation.

The crane is 50.24 metres (165 ft) tall with a 77 metre (253 ft) cantilever jib. It has a lifting capacity of 175 tons.