Tag Archives: Glasgow

Pollok House exhibition coincides with Black History Month

Celebrating Glasgow-Ghanaian artist Maud Sulter with a new exhibition

The National Trust for Scotland is to present a new exhibition of the work of the internationally renowned Glaswegian-Ghanaian artist, Maud Sulter (1960 -2008) at Pollok House, Glasgow.

Maud Sulter was an award-winning artist and writer, cultural historian and curator of Ghanaian and Scottish heritage who lived and worked in Britain, and whose work is now in museum collections around the world, including the V&A and Tate. Throughout her career and across different media, Maud Sulter’s work interrogated the representation of black women in the histories of art, the media and photography. An activist and feminist, she was often inspired by African American activists, artists, and writers. Her work explored the many connections between Africa and Europe, the often-hidden lives of black people, and the complex experiences of the African diaspora in European history and culture.

The exhibition features a range of works across Maud Sulter’s career including selections from her series Zabat and Hysteria. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience her recollections of growing up as a Black child in Scotland in the 1960s through her photographic series and suite of poems, both called Memories of Childhood.

Caroline Smith, National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager at Pollok House, said: “We’re thrilled to feature the work of Maud Sulter in this new exhibition at Pollok House. The exhibition’s opening in October coincides with Black History Month and so is especially appropriate given Sulter’s exploration and representations of black artists, women and culture across history.”

The Estate of Maud Sulter said: “It’s such a pleasure to see Maud Sulter’s work centre stage in her hometown of Glasgow. We’re delighted that this beautiful and historical institution is showcasing her art so new audiences will be able to connect with the engaging themes of her photography including Memories of Childhood.”

Inspiration for the exhibition has come from the National Trust for Scotland’s Facing our Past project, which has set out to investigate connections between the places and properties in its care and the wide diversity and identity of people involved throughout their history, including through links to slavery. As with many Trust properties, the heritage of Pollok House and its family history have multi-generational links to West Indian plantations and so provides an appropriate context within which to explore and understand themes contained within Sulter’s work.

Pollok House was the graceful 18th-century seat of the Stirling Maxwell family and was gifted along with its world-class collection of Italian and Spanish art by its family to the people of Glasgow in 1966. Glasgow City Council remains responsible for Pollok House, which is operated by The National Trust for Scotland on the city’s behalf. The Trust opened the changing exhibition gallery at Pollok House in 2017 and earlier this year, it featured an exhibition exploring the art and photography of Glasgow Boy E.A. Hornel, his Glasgow connections, and the identity of his sitters from Scotland and from around the world.

https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/pollok-house

The exhibition runs from 15 October – 4 December 2022 and 6 January – 15 January 2023

Maud Sulter


University publishes a book of its own knitting patterns

The University of Glasgow has launched its own book of knitting patterns inspired by its architecture. 

Designers from across Scotland contributed their designs for a range of knitted items based on the splendour and beauty of the University’s architecture – from the ornate details in the cornicing and spires to the sweeping arches and grand windows and the modernism of the library.

Knitters will be able to follow a pattern for a teapot cosy inspired by the windows on the historic main building or a beanie hat based on the Cloisters arches, or a scarf whose design is based on the University spires that pierce the Glasgow skyline.

Knitting the University of Glasgow book was compiled by Professor Lynn Abrams and Professor Marina Moskowitz – both historians of Scottish knitted textiles – and Christelle Le Riguer, research co-ordinator at the University’s School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan. All three are keen knitters.

The book is the result of a collaboration between historians, the University Archives & Special Collections and a talented band of independent Scottish knitwear designers, including staff and students at the University. It is a part of the Fleece to Fashion project, which is researching the history of knitted textiles in Scotland from around 1780 to the present day. It will be sold through the University’s gift shop.

Professor Abrams of School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan at the University of Glasgow said: “The genesis of this book of knitting patterns, inspired by the built environment of the University of Glasgow, lies in research carried out by historians at the University of Glasgow into the economies and cultures of hand knitting in Scotland from the eighteenth century to the present. 

“Scotland’s long tradition of knitwear production is rightly celebrated. It feels fitting therefore to celebrate the beauty of the University of Glasgow’s iconic buildings in knitted form. We hope that this book will be as well received by knitters around the world as our own branded wool – Cochno Wool – was when we launched that in 2018.”

Professor Moskowitz of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA, said: “Our aim as historians is to investigate the place and significance of hand-knitted textiles to Scotland’s economy and culture, in the past, the present, and the future.

“Studying knitting can be used to think about the role of craft in linking individual creativity to economic pursuits, local design traditions to national heritage, and domestic economies to the creative economy of Scotland. Scotland’s rich heritage of hand-knitted textiles contributes to other national industries, such as tourism and fashion.”

Christelle Le Riguer said: “We hope this book will make its own contribution to help increase public understanding of the ways in which knitting enhances health and wellbeing and cultural enrichment. 

“We also hope the patterns will inspire people to visit the University of Glasgow and to knit your own little bit of the university.”

In 2014, the University of Glasgow established the ‘Knitting-in-the-Round’ network which developed collaborations with a range of sectors – business, heritage, education, tourism and culture and arts – and explored the emergence of knitting as the pin-up craft for sustainability, creativity and authenticity. 

The University employed a knitter-in-residence, Susan McComb, who took the University architecture as her inspiration to produce some original designs, some of which appear in the new patterns book. 

Since then the team of historians have engaged with the University and the wider Scottish knitting community in all sorts of ways, drawing on the enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise of hand knitters to knit all the Commonwealth flags for Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and to test knit nineteenth century patterns for so-called Shetland lace.

In 2018, the team produced University of Glasgow Cochno knitting yarn. The University’s Cochno Farm has a large sheep flock, primarily to service the needs of veterinary sciences. The fleece from the Scotch Mule sheep was turned into a double-knit worsted yarn and sold through the University gift shop.

A competition amongst staff and students to produce original knitting patterns inspired by the built environment of the University and capable of being knit in our wool elicited designs that reference our gothic architecture and several of those items are included in this collection.

The brief for the new pattern book was to produce an original design for a hand-knitted garment or accessory referencing the built environment of the University. The designers toured the main campus and the archives where they viewed original plans of the University’s Gilmorehill site in the West End of Glasgow. Their designs are inspired by old and new elements of our buildings, from the ‘gothic’ tower and cloisters to the modern perpendicularity of the University Library.

COP26 – Get Ready Glasgow launched to keep the city moving

Scotland’s Transport Minister, Graeme Dey, began a campaign – Get Ready Glasgow – on Wednesday to provide details of where to get the most up to date travel information and advice. 

The intention is that everyone can prepare and plan ahead for any journeys in the run up to and during the two-week UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow. 

The Duke of Wellington is the voice of the campaign and the statue which is regularly photographed with a traffic cone on the top will feature in adverts on radio, TV and social media as well as billboards and newsletters.

Road closures in Glasgow will start from 23 October 2021. Get Ready Glasgow will be the go to website with all the up to date information on how to get around. 

The website provides details on alternative routes, local road closure dates and where local access will be maintained. It also includes maps highlighting where and when impacts are most likely to help give the public, businesses, delegates and visitors a clearer idea of what to expect on certain days.   

Today’s campaign launch follows many months of travel planning and preparations which are now entering an advanced and crucial phase. As well as providing information on how to plan ahead for COP26, details of a range of engagement sessions being held over the coming weeks will be advertised for businesses and communities to attend. 

Mr Dey said: “As a huge coup for Glasgow and, indeed, Scotland, COP26 is widely anticipated to be a once-in-a-lifetime global event and one like no other the city has hosted. The scale of the event is unprecedented on so many levels which is why it is vital that people are equipped with the latest information to help organise travel plans in advance and, where necessary, make alternative arrangements. 

“The most up-to-date information including a detailed travel plan, maps, road closures and dates for community and business engagement sessions is readily available. I would again urge commuters, businesses and the public to take some time to familiarise themselves with the plans so that we can all work together to help deliver a successful event while keeping Glasgow and the Central Belt moving. I am especially grateful to businesses and the public for engaging with this campaign and playing their part in such a momentous event.” 

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and First Bus are providing a fleet of electric buses for conference delegates. 

SPT Chair of Operations Committee Councillor, David Wilson, said: “SPT is, once again, proud to play its part assisting with the transport organisation across Glasgow while the city hosts yet another major international event. While some disruption to travel is inevitable with an event of this scale, planning ahead is essential.  

“We are working to ensure both local people and our international visitors can move around the city. Working with First Bus Scotland to deliver the official COP26 Zero Emission shuttle service on behalf of the UK and Scottish Governments ensures delegates will get to the event by sustainable public transport and we hope deliver a Glasgow climate agreement we can all be proud of.” 

Duncan Cameron, Interim Managing Director for First Bus Scotland: said: “First Bus Scotland is delighted to have been chosen to operate the official COP26 shuttle service and will be working closely with SPT, Transport Scotland and the Cabinet Office to ensure a smooth and efficient service can be delivered for all delegates attending the event. 

“It has been a long time in the planning, and it is exciting to now be in the build up to the event officially. It is vitally important that everyone takes the time to familiarise themselves with all diversions and transport plans in order to keep Glasgow moving and deliver an event that the whole world will be proud to be a part of.” 

Get Ready Glasgow is managed by Glasgow City Council and is working on the experiences from the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the European Championships in 2018. 

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said: “Glasgow has an unrivalled record when it comes to hosting major international events. The expertise that we have developed with our partners, taken with the city’s extensive conference and hotel infrastructure, made Glasgow the logical choice for COP26. 

“This global summit is one of the biggest diplomatic events that the UK has seen. It is no exaggeration to say that it is also one of the most important in human history if we are to get runaway climate change under control. 

“With more than 140 world leaders expected to attend, security will be tight and the arrangements will affect local businesses and residents as well as those who do business in the city, travel for work or are visiting. The key to lessening that disruption is to inform people well in advance about where there are planned road closures and likely congestion and what the alternative routes are. We’re also encouraging people to leave the car at home and use public transport for their journeys or walk or cycle instead.”  

 (from left to right): David Wilson, of SPT, Transport Minister Graeme Dey, and Duncan Cameron, of First Bus, launch the COP26 public awareness campaign Photo – Chris Watt Web – www.chriswatt.com

The King’s Theatre panto is back – oh yes it is

The pants returns to the King’s Theatre for the first time since 2019 with the tale of Cinderella.

Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac will be taking audiences to the panto ball as they return in style with their laugh-out-loud comedy routines and plenty of boos and hisses.

Cinderella tells the much-loved rags-to-riches tale of the popular title character who outwits her wicked stepsisters and meets her Prince Charming. Packed with all the traditional elements of pantomime the King’s Theatre audience has come to expect including stunning scenery and scrumptious costumes, this year’s show will be the Godmother of all pantomimes.

Cinderella runs at the King’s Theatre from Saturday 27 November 2021 – Sunday 2 January 2022. Various evening, matinee and access performances are scheduled.

atgtickets.com/Glasgow or call 0333 009 6690

PHOTO Greg Macvean 21/09/2021 – Panto stars Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac are pictured at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow

Safety of asylum seekers in Glasgow under discussion

In Glasgow on Friday a Sudanese man was shot dead by police.

Badreddin Abadlla Adam was 28 and he had stabbed a number of people at the Park Inn Hotel on West George Street.

On Friday Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Terrible incidents such as we have seen today are, thankfully, very rare in Scotland. This event has understandably shocked the people of Glasgow, and indeed, the whole country.
“My thoughts and very best wishes are with those who have been injured and their families, including our colleague Constable David Whyte who was seriously injured in the course of doing his duty. I offer my personal support to all those affected.
“Officers have once again run into danger to protect their fellow citizens. Their professionalism as police officers was outstanding. I pay tribute to their bravery, selflessness and commitment to protecting the public.
“I briefed the First Minister and the Prime Minister earlier today on the circumstances and advised them both that we are not treating the attack as a terrorist incident.
“It is essential enquiries are now carried out to establish the full circumstances and all speculation must be avoided.
“Scotland is a safe place to live and work. We have cohesive communities who work with their police service to maintain our peaceful and respectful way of life.
“In the context of the current health emergency, and to respect those injured today and the people of Glasgow, I ask everyone to exercise personal responsibility. Please, do not gather in crowds this weekend.”
Constable David Whyte

Six people including PC David Whyte, 42, were injured in the attack. PCC Whyte was critically injured although he issued a statement from his hospital bed. Police Scotland continue to investigate what happened.

Speaking after a meeting on Monday with Chris Philp MP, Home Office Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts, Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by the tragic events of Friday night, in particular those who remain in hospital, and their family and loved ones.

“While the immediate priority is to allow the police time to conclude their investigation, I have spoken to Home Office Minister, Chris Philp MP to express my concerns over the safety and wellbeing of those accommodated by the Mears Group in hotels in Glasgow.

“I have made clear that those staying in hotels must receive all the help they need at this difficult time, particularly those who had been staying at the Park Inn. I also again pressed the importance of financial support for people accommodated in hotels, so that they have some control over how they live their lives, and am pleased that the Minister has agreed to reconsider this issue. I have also made clear that lessons must be learned from this dreadful incident, both in terms of the incident itself and the circumstances that led up to it.

“I again asked that the Home Office share plans and actively engage with local partners, particularly Glasgow City Council, for moving people on from hotels into long term accommodation in the community. The Minister has undertaken that a plan will be shared tomorrow. I am pleased that he has also agreed to a joint meeting with the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to discuss wider planning for the future of asylum following the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Loganair start up Belfast route

Loganair today announced the addition of Glasgow to its portfolio of Scottish destinations from George Best Belfast City Airport.

The service – a double daily Monday to Friday and on Sundays with a single flight on Saturdays – starts on September 4, using a 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jet.

The weekday timetable from Monday through Thursday has departures from Glasgow at 07.15 and 16.00 and from Belfast at 08.30 and 17.15 – allowing for business meetings to take place in either city before a return flight home. Fridays see the first flight from Glasgow at 13.15, leaving Belfast at 14.40, with the Sunday departure from Glasgow at 12.45 and 18.30 and from Belfast at 14.05 and 19.50. The Saturday flight repeats the same departure times as the first flight midweek.

Flights from Belfast City to Aberdeen and Inverness, routes already commenced by Loganair before the COVID-19 lockdown, will resume from July 6.

The launch of Dundee to Belfast City services – an important link for many in the university and medical sectors – will be in line with the start of the new higher educational term on September 7.

Loganair will become one of the largest airlines at Belfast City, from where it flew the very first passenger flight on February 7 1983 on the day of the airport’s official opening. 

Loganair’s chief commercial officer Kay Ryan said: “Our expansion at Belfast City Airport is part of a comprehensive plan to re-connect the UK regions as the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic begins through all walks of life. It has been our privilege to continue serving essential routes, and we now very much look forward to re-linking Belfast City with Scotland.   Loganair flew the first ever passenger flight from Belfast City and we’re delighted to be strengthening these long-standing ties with today’s exciting announcement.”

Loganair, now the UK’s biggest regional airline, has continued to fly more services than any other UK passenger airline during the crisis. In addition to keeping lifeline routes to the Highlands and Islands open during the pandemic, the airline has also maintained services for essential workers throughout.

All flights, including the new Belfast City-Glasgow, service, will be operated under the “Safe Steps to Healthy Flying” protocols which Loganair announced in mid-May – the first UK airline to set out detailed plans on how customer safety will be attained and maintained whilst COVID-19 is present.  Loganair’s initiatives mirror those later announced by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Katy Best, commercial director at Belfast City Airport said: “Connectivity between Northern Ireland and Scotland is of great importance, and the launch of Loganair’s comprehensive Scottish route network from Belfast City will be welcome news to many frequent flyers. Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness were popular routes within the Flybe network and we have no doubt there will be significant demand from both business and leisure passengers. We are also delighted to see the return of Dundee to our network.”

Belfast City Airport continues to follow all relevant directives for airports in relation to Covid-19. Measures are in place throughout the terminal to enable social distancing for passengers and staff with signage visible throughout the airport. The airport has also deployed additional staff dedicated to terminal cleansing.

Glasgow Airport managing director Mark Johnston, said: “The Glasgow to Belfast City service has always been a popular and convenient route for business travellers given the airport’s close proximity to the Northern Irish capital, so it’s great to see Loganair introduce what will be a twice-daily service from September.

“We are continuing to work with all of our airline partners to support their plans to resume operations to help get the country moving again and to kickstart the economy. The introduction of a number of enhanced health measures at the airport has been central to these plans to both protect our staff and passengers and to ensure we help each other to travel safely.”

Loganair has partnerships with several major airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Norwegian carrier Wideroe, enabling customers from Belfast City to use Loganair flights to Scotland’s hubs to meet onward connecting flights worldwide.   These partnerships will re-connect Belfast City to many of these airlines’ networks for the first time since the closure of Flybe in March

Loganair’s advice to customers regarding travel safety during the current COVID-19 crisis is available on its website, and customers are urged to check for regular updates.

BoConcept move out of Sauchiehall Street after fire

Following the devastating fire at Glasgow School of Art the BoConcept store at Sauchiehall Street will close at the end of this month. But it will be replaced by two new pop up stores at Princes Square which is already open and Buchanan Galleries as part of a bigger plan to relocate the business.

An example of a BoConcept sofa

Adam Davidson, Director of BoConcept Glasgow says: “Due to uncertainties around the Sauchiehall street location which has been caused by the recent disastrous fire of the iconic Glasgow School of Art, it is with great regret we have been forced to find a new location for our thriving business. The two new pop up inspiration stores in Princes Square and Buchanan Galleries will offer the same excellent service level provided by BoConcept Glasgow but with our long term plan to open in a new permanent location in Merchant City”.

BoConcept provides contemporary designs for living, dining, sleeping and working areas of the home. BoConcept offers a high quality yet affordable range of furniture and home accessories, many of which can be tailored to suit today’s constantly evolving lifestyle needs.

Originally founded in 1952 BoConcept’s unique furniture customisation sets it apart from other furniture brands allowing it to establish more than 260 retail branches worldwide.

New political resource launched in Glasgow

A new online resource on the popular political culture of Scotland in the 19th and early 20th centuries will be officially launched later today.

A new website called The People’s Voice has been created by staff at the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. It is funded by the Carnegie Trust, contains over 1000 poems, song recordings, essays and school resources.

This is the result of a two year project called The People’s Voice: Scottish political poetry, song and the franchise, 1832-1918 and relates to the poetry and song of local communities across Scotland and has unearthed a wide range of materials that speak of protest, citizenship and rights.

Dr Catriona Macdonald, who led the project team and is a Reader in Late Modern Scottish History at the University of Glasgow, said: “After more than two years of work we are delighted to launch this project for everyone to use and learn from.

“The themes that come through the poems range from the local to the national to the international and show Scots of all classes and political persuasions engaged in the political process. Instead of platform speeches and manifestos from ‘the great and the good’, here we have ordinary Scots rhyming in to poetry their concerns and their aspirations. It shows that poetry was – and is – a political medium.”

The project, which received a major grant from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland in 2015, aimed to examine the neglected impact that local poetry and song cultures had in Scottish popular politics in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

To achieve a detailed understanding of these roles, the project focuses on the four successful campaigns to extend the electoral franchise in 1832, 1867/8, 1884 and 1918, and plots these campaigns within broader historical narratives.

A key aim of this project is to disinter many of the poems and songs that appeared in Scotland’s periodical press in this period.  Although these publications were common sites in which local poets published, and nurtured lively song cultures, they have not yet been adequately explored by literary critics or historians.  To remedy this, the project assessed archival holdings across various localities in Scotland, including Aberdeen, Ayrshire, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley and Stirling.

Several resources, including schools resources which have been developed in partnership with Education Scotland, have been created to promote the study of political poetry as a source for History, Literature and Modern Studies.

An edited, online anthology of 50 selected poems will be available through the People’s Voice website, accompanied by a searchable database of every relevant poem found in the select archives, and explanatory essays.

The new resource will be officially launched at The People’s Voice: Scottish Political Poetry, Song and the Franchise, 1832–1918 conference which features international speakers including Dr Alison Chapman, the University of Victoria in Canada;  Professor Florence Boos of the University of Iowa, USA; Dr Mike Sanders of the University of Manchester, Dr Frank Ferguson of Ulster University and Professor Jon Mee of the University of York.

There will also be musical entertainment provided by Scottish folk singer and songwriter Bill Adair.

Follow The People’s Voice on Twitter here.

Scottish Government back the Burrell

The Scottish Government has awarded £5m towards refurbishment of the Burrell Collection to help with their plans.

The ‘internationally significant’ museum has received support from the Scottish Government ahead of a major modernisation programme.

The Burrell Collection closed in October 2016 for a £66 million refurbishment of the A-listed building. The project – the Burrell Renaissance – is essential to ensuring the site can continue to house the 9,000-piece collection, enabling expanded display space while improving facilities and the visitor experience.

Announcing £5 million Scottish Government funding towards the cost of the project, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Burrell Collection is a world-class and internationally significant museum, with many rare and wonderful items. Not only that, but the building in Pollok Country Park is also a much-loved architectural gem.

“Currently only 20% of the collection is on public display at any one time and these substantial refurbishments will enable a much more significant part of the collection to be exhibited.

“I am pleased we can contribute £5 million towards ensuring that the building becomes a fitting 21stcentury home for the Burrell and I look forward to the museum reopening in 2020.”

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This is fantastic news and we are very grateful to the Scottish Government for what is a ringing endorsement of our ambitious plans for the refurbishment and redisplay of the Burrell Collection. Sir William’s great legacy has been described as the greatest gift a city has ever received and we have a duty to protect and promote the collection in the years ahead.

“Our plans will provide a world-class home for the 9,000 treasures, massively increasing access and enjoyment of the collection for generations to come.”

Patrick aims to turn the town green!

The co-convener of the Green Party in Scotland and Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie launches his Westminster campaign today outside Glasgow University.

Harvie, who represents Glasgow at Holyrood, would become the first Scottish Green MP. He wants voters in Glasgow North to “take the fight to the Tories” and elect a Green MP who will not just vigorously oppose their agenda but will offer a positive, hopeful alternative.

Harvie will also reach out to young voters, who the Greens say are at risk of losing huge opportunities given to generations before them unless radical change is delivered.

The rally takes place just days after a successful council election for the Greens in Glasgow, where a record seven councillors were elected across the city, including Hillhead in the heart of Glasgow North, where the Greens topped the poll.

Patrick Harvie, who will stand down from Holyrood if elected an MP, said: “By electing me, Glasgow can show that we reject the Tory Hard Brexit disaster and fight for our future in Europe. We can show Theresa May’s government that Scotland rejects its cruel attacks on disabled people and the vulnerable, including the vile Rape Clause. The Tories might well wish we didn’t exist, so nothing would get up their noses more than the sight of more Green MPs being elected.

“But at the same time, we need to say clearly that our future can’t be based on everlasting tax cuts for oil & gas companies or sticking with the economy of zero-hours contracts and poverty pay we have now. Greens have a plan for a new industrial revolution, which will create over 200,000 new jobs, lift people out of poverty and tackle climate change.

“Scottish Green voices at Westminster will be critical in these next few years, as the Tories try to inflict terrible and lasting damage on Glasgow, Scotland and wider society. We need to take the fight to them with bold, progressive voices in the House of Commons.

“I want to make a real impact as an MP, joining forces with the incredible Caroline Lucas who, as the first Green MP, has been doing the work of a hundred politicians. Caroline and I will always look to work constructively with other parties where we can, but we’ll never back tax cuts for big business while so many people are struggling, or subsidise the fossil fuel industry while the climate crisis grows.”