A tour of the Southside’s radical history
From bank robberies to links to the slave trade, the southside has homed a variety of radical social and political histories. In this piece we explore some of the area’s forgotten heritage and dive deeper to uncover the legacy behind these familiar spots.
Stories from our streets: Butterbiggins Road
In this new series, we’re exploring Govanhill’s heritage, street by street – starting with Butterbiggins Road. Once an 18th-century hamlet for travelling communities, Butterbiggins evolved from a rural outpost to an industrial hub, and later into the residential street we know today.
Greater Govanhill Photography Group: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
In this article, taken from our previous heritage issue, our Greater Govanhill Photography Group attempt to capture the transient nature of life in our city, as part of our project to document the area, and build our own photographic archive.
Greater Govanhill Photography Group: Then & Now
In our last issue, we asked our photography team to look at old pictures of places in Govanhill and take new pictures of those same places today. In this article we share the results of that photo challenge assigned to the group for our local heritage issue.
Behind the Portrait: JR Ewan
JR Ewan, co-founder of Glasgow’s Southside Studios, is an artist and maker whose journey is marked by his family’s legacy and his own creative evolution. In this edition of Behind the Portrait he shares his insights into his creative process and his experiences working with diverse artists at Project Ability and his own Southside Studios.
Dusting off the memories: On the importance of archives
Archives exist as a means to connect us to our past, whether personal, social or connected to a particular place or movement. Preserving these stories provides a chance to learn from what’s gone before. In this article we explore the personal archive of a former Queen’s Park Camera member and share some of the local archives in the Southside.
Heritage tour around Govanhill: Take a meander through local history
Govanhill has a fascinating history. Stories upon stories are written in its many tenement homes. Fragments of its rich heritage are also revealed by a tour around some of its better known buildings. This map follows the route of a walking tour around the neighbourhood led by local historian Bruce Downie.
Back to the future: Could we see the return of the public diner?
It’s not as well known but before the UK had a national health service, it had a national restaurant service. British Restaurants were state-supported restaurants serving affordable meals to the general public.Glasgow used to have at least 10 of these restaurants... Now there is a call to bring them back.
Top Five Places to Visit in the Southside for Glasgow Doors Open Day
The Glasgow Door Open Day is back, taking place from the 16th-22nd of Septemeber. The event aims to celebrate Glasgow’s cultural heritage by opening the doors of over 100 historical buildings to the public across the city. We put together a list of the top five places to visit in the Southside.
If these walls could talk: Southside pubs
As hubs of social life, pubs have been woven into the fabric of British culture, serving as gathering spots for generations. Through James Bowden’s photographs, taken in the late 80s, we delve into the history and community spirit of the Southside’s drinking establishments. What we found were stories of protest, preservation of Scotland’s footballing legacy, the centre of a manhunt and more.
Creating Crosshill Conservation Area: Discovering Robert Duncan, the Architect of Dixon Avenue
As a resident of one of Robert Duncan's beautifully designed homes on Dixon Avenue, I’ve come to appreciate the lasting impact of this overlooked architect. His 21 distinctive houses, with their unique bay windows and ornate details, have given Crosshill its special character and earned it conservation status. Duncan's work is a hidden gem in Glasgow’s architectural heritage.
80 Bankhall Street: Over a century of life in one tenement
This article is a semi-fictionalized attempt to track one Govanhill building over time. None of the people in this story are the real inhabitants of 80 Bankhall street; characters have been created around what would have been ‘typical’ in Govanhill at the time.
The lasting legacy of the Pollok Free State
In this article, Katherine Mackinnon goes digging in the archive of the Pollok Free State protest movement, to tell the story of a legendary struggle against the expansion of the M77 through Pollok Park, via four of its objects.
This is our legacy: Getting to know the shopkeepers around Govanhill
In Govanhill, the heart of the community beats through its vibrant local businesses. From bustling corner shops to long-standing family-run stores, these shopkeepers not only provide essential services but also preserve the area's cultural heritage. In this article, we delve into the stories of Govanhill's shopkeepers, uncovering the histories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the daily life of this diverse and dynamic neighbourhood.
Volunteer Spotlight: Gurdev Singh Pall
In our Volunteer Spotlight, we highlight those making a difference in Glasgow. This time, we meet with Gurdev Singh Pall, who is dedicated to preserving Sikh heritage in the city. He’s building an archive of photos and memories to document the Sikh community’s contributions and running the EKTA Group Elderly Care Forum to support and unite Glasgow’s Sikh and Asian elderly population.
Scotch Broth from the Glasgow Cookery Book
This classic Scotch broth recipe is from the Glasgow Cookery Book, first published in 1910. Known as ‘The Purple Book,’ it was a go-to for women learning domestic skills at The Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Domestic Science. Enjoy a taste of tradition with this timeless recipe.
Tony & Andrea: In conversation at the Star Bar
Located in Eglinton Toll, The Star Bar has stood the test of time, serving up Glasgow’s cheapest three-course lunch in a historic setting. We caught up with regular Tony and manager Angela for a bar-side blether.
When Paul Robeson Came to Queen’s Park
Govanhill has long been known as a place of resistance, where solidarity spills over into protest, and where people aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in. This article on civil rights activist, Paul Robeson’s visit to Queen’s Park makes up part of our Timeline of Resistance piece. This was featured in our latest issue on community action, showcasing a few inspiring actions that happened locally.
City of Empire: I See Your History
City of Empire is a new community-led exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum that uncovers Glasgow’s deep-rooted links to empire and slavery. Zara Grew met up with the exhibition's Community Curator to find out more.
FONDS: New multimedia exhibition at Tramway tells the stories of Govanhill through its most treasured objects
The objects treasured by people in Govanhill reveal stories of migration, transformation, love and resilience. A new photography exhibition, film and podcast will launch on 3 February.