A curious cockerel stands proudly. This is the Mhtothta Sculpture. Or rather the Millennium Milepost. It’s more commonly known as ‘The Cockerel’. It’s located on Hope Street in Glasgow. This wasn’t always its home though.
For twenty-two years The Cockerel resided within Glasgow Central Station. Specifically on platform fifteen. It was largely unseen there. Few people ever noticed it. Until this year it went largely unnoticed.
Then in 2022 someone tweeted a picture of the sculpture. The picture showed graffiti. The graffiti said ‘F**k is this?’ This tweet went viral. The image spread rapidly across social media. It sparked a conversation about the sculpture and its location.
The truth however is more nuanced. The Cockerel received a makeover that summer. It was repainted. It’s now gold and green instead of grey. The graffiti was cleaned up. Sustrans Scotland also decided to move the sculpture. It’s now in a more prominent location near cycle racks. This enhances its visibility. It’s now a focal point for many.
The Cockerel is one of over one thousand Millennium Mileposts. Four artists from across the UK created them. The Cockerel’s design is unique. Its influences are Miro’s The Fork and Brancusi’s The Cock. These are significant artistic inspirations. They shaped the Cockerel’s form and style.
The sculptor Iain McColl is Scottish. He skillfully incorporated these influences. He created a striking piece. This piece of art reflects both its location and its artistic heritage. Its new location makes it more accessible and noticeable. The Cockerel now attracts more attention. It’s become a talking point for Glaswegians and visitors alike. The Cockerel stands as a testament to art. It is a testament to public art’s ability to spark conversation. It is a modern artwork in a historic city.