As The Stand Comedy Club moves to Landsdowne Church, Heritage Funds are supporting conservation of The Stand’s new home.
By Isla McGraw
In Glasgow’s West End, a landmark is laughing again. The 160-year-old former Lansdowne Church, known as Websters, has gained a new tenant in The Stand Comedy Club. But this is no simple change of address — it’s a moment where culture, heritage, and humour collide.
The timing, as David Robertson, Director of FACT THREE — the charity that operates the venue — puts it, was ‘everything’. Certain art forms often thrive in harmony with the seasons. But comedy lightens up the stage all-year-round. So as The Stand searched for a new home, Websters welcomed them with open arms. ‘It worked out perfectly — timing is everything,’ David reflects. Now, thanks to £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, £132,000 from Glasgow City Heritage Trust, and £10,000 from The Architectural Heritage Fund, the building’s treasures can shine once more.
Conserving The Past
Central to the project ‘Accessing Websters Heritage’, is the restoration of stained glass windows by Alf Webster. The artist’s career was cut short by the First World War. Specialist conservator Rab McInnes, who originally removed the window in 2007, will lead the conservation. He will be assisted by trainee Gordon Muir through the Historic Environment Scotland fellowship programme. Once reinstated, the window will form the centrepiece of a stained-glass gallery at the upper level of the building.
For the team behind The Stand, the move is emotional as well as practical. Fraser Milroy, the club’s General Manager, admits: ‘It’s been scary and challenging, with a lot of sleepless nights, wondering if people will take this place into their hearts the way they did with the old one. I do think The Stand is more than just a building. It’s about the ethos of the company. The way we treat our performers. The way we treat our staff, and how everything is skewed towards the live comedy experience.’
Partnership
The partnership promises more than conservation. An outreach officer will engage the community, accessibility improvements are in the pipeline, and a digital database of Websters stained glass will open the artist’s legacy to the world. Even the building itself has surprises — the entrance porch stands out, complete with a gantry salvaged from Boots the Chemist, while hand-painted walls replicate historic details from elsewhere in the church. As David looks ahead, his hope is for Websters to be ingrained in the community: ‘In ten years’ time, I want people to take Webster’s — its history, its culture, and now its comedy — for granted as part of the city’s life.’
Caroline Clark of The National Lottery Heritage Fund reflects on how the project will enrich Glasgow’s cultural landscape: ‘Restoring Alf Webster’s beautiful stained glass and delivering an outreach programme will unlock more of Glasgow’s artistic and cultural history for new audiences. Thanks to National Lottery players, “Accessing Websters Heritage” will protect and celebrate the craftsmanship and artistry which is a hallmark of Glasgow’s unquestioned importance as a global city of creativity and design.’ With stained glass glittering once more and laughter ringing out, Webster’s is proving that
heritage doesn’t have to sit in silence.
For more information, what’s on as The Stand moves to Landsdowne Church, visit
