“Glass has life in it. Light hits colour and texture to make something totally unique.” In our ‘Meet the Maker’ series, we plan to introduce you to some of the incredibly creative and inventive makers that Govanhill seems to be bursting with. First up, is Brian Morgan of Jangling Space.

Did you know that psychedelic psychiatrist RD Laing grew up in Govanhill? Or that John Buchan, author of the 39 Steps lived right around the corner? Have you noticed the there’s not one, but two libraries in Govanhill? In Issue 1, Keir Hind took us on a tour of Govanhill’s literary sights.

Originally published in Issue 1 of Greater Govanhill community magazine, this is the first of a series where we get to know the people behind the portraits by Govanhill street photographer, Simon Murphy. First up is psychedelic artist, Alan Tanner who spoke about Dali, dragonflies and drawing.

In Issue 1 of Greater Govanhill, Rachel Dallas wrote about the realities of racism in Scotland today and explained the meaning behind the crowdfunded Glasgow South Anti-Racism Art Project which has resulted in four striking new murals.

Glasgow has re-entered a stricter lockdown, but while life may feel like it’s being put on hold, Christmas still looms large. Non-essential physical shops are closed, but online, the Christmas markets are open. Support the local economy by checking out these talented Glasgow Southside makers..

Thanks to the overwhelming support of individuals and local organisations, we have smashed our Crowdfunder target meaning the first print issue of Greater Govanhill will be out later this year.

The inaugural Govanhill Street Music Festival was a resounding success, and an example of how we can still enjoy live music in socially distanced times. Katherine Midgley, from the Govanhill Baths Community Trust, explains how it came about.

‘Govanhill Street Level’ is an exhibition of the photography of Simon Murphy. Twenty portraits of local characters stare back at you from A1 prints displayed in shop windows. Greater Govanhill joined him on a walk about the neighbourhood, to see how his portraits paint a picture of the area.

Face masks have become the unexpected go-to fashion accessory of 2020. And from Friday 10 June, it will be mandatory to wear face coverings in shops across Scotland. Support local makers and buy your hand made face mask from one of these Glasgow Southside creatives.

Deirdre Molloy of South Glasgow Heritage & Environment Trust’s writes about their latest community project. SGHET are attempting to document the COVID-19 era, by setting out to build a Southside-centric picture of our diverse community’s response to lockdown and the pandemic.

Every day, Vasily Teglas sets off from home with a suitcase carrying a loud speaker and a traditional Romanian horn-violin. He unpacks by a bench in Queen’s Park and plugs into his amp, striking up with the sounds of Scottish, Romanian and pop music.

by Govanhill-based writer, Emrys Mordin

If Govanhill was a colour, it would be a rainbow

Bright, bold, brilliant

Colours we never thought would go together

Dancing down the streets

“Some of my friends thought it was frivolous of me to be talking about making art in the face of a wave of deaths. But personally, I don’t have the capacity to set up a support network and there are other people already doing incredible things in that area. I just wanted to create a space where people exchange skills, ideas or support – and have something to get excited about.”