Episoder
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The 1988 Garden Festival changed how the world saw Glasgow, and how it saw itself. It lives on only in people’s memories as the buildings, objects and artworks from this temporary event are gone forever – or are they?
Urban Prehistorian Kenny Brophy, Project Leader Lex Lamb, and Holder of the Official Garden Festival Umbrella Gordon Barr for a conversation with Niall & Fay in front of a live audience, to learn how they have used crowdsourcing to build an ever-growing digital record of the hundreds of pavilions, sculptures and attractions that made up the Garden Festival, as well as the experiences of those who made it happen.
Items with Garden Festival stories to tell were discovered across the UK and further afield, from the large (the Coca-cola Roller Coaster, now in Suffolk) to the small (a Garden Festival tea-towel, now in Papua New Guinea). But in addition to relic artefacts and traces in the landscape, the team identified something else: the absence of a proper record of this pivotal event, while memories fade and documents are lost.
Hear how the 1988 Festival was put together, taken apart and spread around the world, and how with the help of hundreds of individual submissions and leads After the Garden Festival are striving to preserve the legacy of a summer where Glasgow shone.
Highlights:
Reflecting on the Legacy of the Garden Festival (00:00 - 02:30): The discussion opens with reflections on how the Glasgow Garden Festival has shaped the city’s landscape and cultural memory.The Impact of Urban Regeneration Projects (07:45 - 09:30): Insights into the broader impact of urban regeneration efforts in Glasgow, particularly those initiated in the wake of the Garden Festival.Personal Stories and Memories of the Festival (15:30 - 17:00): The guests share their personal experiences and memories of attending the festival, highlighting its significance on a personal level.Challenges in Preserving Historical Sites (23:00 - 25:00): The conversation turns to the challenges faced in preserving the historical sites associated with the Garden Festival and other urban regeneration projects.Looking Forward: Future Projects and Their Potential Impact (30:45 - 32:00): The episode concludes with a discussion about future urban projects in Glasgow and their potential impact on the city’s cultural and physical landscape.
Check out After the Garden Festival’s website here to learn more the project Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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This week we explore Glasgow's love-hate relationship with brutalism and discuss our upcoming Brutal Glasgow exhibition with digital curator Rachel Loughran and Glasgow based illustrator Nebo Peklo (Natalie Tweedie), who’s work will be displayed in the interactive, multimedia exhibition.
The idea for the exhibition arose from Rachel's admiration of Natalie's drawings on Twitter, and united by their shared interest in brutalism they have come together to create Brutal Glasgow. They also discuss the significance of brutalism in Glasgow, touching on its artistic, social, and political aspects, and the debate over whether to demolish or restore such buildings
Rachel and Natalie emphasise the personal and emotional connections people have with these buildings, how they change over time, and their potential for renewal and hope.
Highlights:
00:00:00 - 00:00:03 Rachel Loughran starts by discussing the public's "knee jerk reaction" to Brutalist buildings, setting the tone for the episode.00:19:42 - 00:19:43 Natalie Tweedie acknowledges the complexity of evaluating Brutalist architecture, saying, "That's such a huge question," indicating the depth of the discussion.00:40:12- 00:40:15 The conversation touches on the need to "have a proper look" at Brutalism and the factors surrounding it, suggesting a deeper exploration of the topic.01:00:07 - 01:00:09 There’s a personal reflection on exploring Glasgow, particularly the East End, highlighting how Brutalist architecture influences perceptions of different city areas.01:19:21 - 01:19:24 The episode concludes with a mention of Glasgow Heritage, encapsulating the importance of the city’s architectural legacy and the podcast's role in preserving these discussions.Key Moments
Complexities of Brutalism - polarising views.The historical and cultural significance and value in preserving these buildings.How the architectural style of Brutalism connects to a broader understanding of Glasgow city's character and history.Focus on Glasgow Heritage, emphasising the significance of the city's architectural legacy
Check out Natalie’s work on her website Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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In this episode, Fay meets Luna Amanita, co-director of the Wash House Garden - a groundbreaking community enterprise rejuvenating the land behind the historic Parkhead Wash House.
The garden, once a local focal point, continues to prioritise community, seamlessly weaving together the well-being of both people and the environment, cultivating enduring connections through community-based food growing.
Luna discusses the importance of community engagement in deepening the connection with the land. She also talks to Fay about beekeeping and its educational value for the Wash House Garden team and their volunteers.
Join us as we explore their mission to make the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of gardening accessible to all.
Highlights:
Introduction to the Wash House GardenTimestamp: 00:00:00 - 00:00:37Luna Amanita describes the Wash House Garden in Parkhead, East Glasgow, noting its diverse volunteer base and the various capacities in which people engage with the space.Historical Significance and Current Use of the LandTimestamp: 00:02:00 - 00:03:35Luna explains the historical background of the land, believed to be the drying ground for the old Parkhead wash house and possibly used for food growing during the war. She discusses the transformation of the space into a market garden.Gardening Practices and Soil HealthTimestamp: 00:04:00 - 00:05:17Luna details their ecological gardening practices, emphasising soil health through composting and organic material. She mentions the challenges and labour involved in maintaining the garden.Beekeeping and Education InitiativesTimestamp: 00:13:00 - 00:14:00Luna talks about their beekeeping program, including hive inspections and the educational courses they offer. She shares her personal experience and the responsibilities of managing the bees with her team.Community Engagement and Volunteer InvolvementTimestamp: 00:20:10 - 00:21:05Luna discusses the variability in volunteer numbers and the importance of community engagement. She highlights efforts to make the garden more accessible and responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.
Connect with The Wash House Garden via their website and follow them on Instagram @TheWashHouseGardenFollow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #Is Glasgow Walls Could TalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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Filmmaker and visual artist, Bash Khan has been working across Glasgow for over 15 years. Growing up in the city he developed a love for the buildings surrounding him, but more importantly he developed a love for the people and communities that used these spaces.
In this episode, Bash talks to Niall and Fay about how he came to be interested in photography and his work across Glasgow. A passionate advocate for public gathering spaces, Bash highlights the importance of accessible, communal areas for storytelling and connection. The conversation also touches on the visual and emotional impact of his large-scale projections on communities.
This episode offers a profound look at how art, community, and public space intersect to create powerful narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.
Highlights:
02:06 — 02:09 Highlights the intrinsic value of individuals in the community.02:24 — 02:28 Reflects on the value within communities.11:03 — 14:02: The importance of recognising diverse contributions within the community.23:63 — 25:55 Bash Khan talks about the role of planners in community projects.35:55 — 39:52 This segment focuses on valuing individuals within the community.
Discussion on valuing people's roles and acknowledging their efforts.Highlights the need for effective planning and involvement from the community to ensure success.Underscores the necessity of appreciating people's contributions and efforts.Addresses the need to recognise and cherish each person's unique contributions.Emphasises the collective strength and importance of community members working together.
Key moments
Have a look at Bash’s work on his website Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk, what would they say about the female architects that have worked in the industry in the city? This is something that Jude Barber, Nicola McLachlan and Suzanne Ewing have been focussing on since establishing Voices of Experience.
After noticing how male dominated the industry is they worked to start pairing younger female architects with older female architects, many of whom had retired, to record their conversations about their work and experience in the industry.
In this episode, hosted by Fay, and recorded on International Women’s Day, Jude and Nicola tell us more about their inspiration for establishing the group, their plans for its future, and their experiences in the industry.
Highlights:
Introduction to Women in ArchitectureEarly career challenges and milestones for women architectsMentorship and building support networks Future vision to enhance gender diversityKey moments
00:00 - 02:00 — Discussion on the representation and contributions of women in architecture.05:00 - 07:00 — Insights into the early career challenges and milestones for women architects.12:00 - 14:00 — Importance of mentorship and building support networks within the industry.18:00 - 20:00 — Personal stories of overcoming gender biases and industry obstacles.25:00 - 27:00 — Discussion on future initiatives to enhance gender diversity and inclusion in architecture.
Find out more about the Voices of Experience conversations on their website Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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In today's episode, Fay introduces Layla Sadr Hashemi and Ume Chauhdry, who share their experiences with the project Thistles and Dandelions, designed to connect ethnic minority women with Glasgow’s cultural heritage. This initiative by Empower Women for Change has been transformative, fostering a sense of belonging among participants.
Layla, originally from Iran, and Ume, from Pakistan, discuss their initial struggles with isolation, language barriers, and cultural differences upon arriving in Glasgow. Discovering EWfC provided them a supportive community and opportunities for personal and professional growth through workshops and training.
Thistles and Dandelions, one of EWfC’s significant projects, ran throughout 2023, engaging women with Glasgow's heritage beyond just observation. Layla and Ume also describe their involvement with the David Livingstone Birthplace, learning skills in curating, conservation, and exhibition planning, which enhanced their confidence and sense of community.
Highlights:
Symbolism of the thistle and its representation of Scottish history and resilience.Layla and Ume discuss the specific challenges that immigrants face when adapting to life in Glasgow.Emphasis on the importance of community support in helping new Scots feel welcomed and empowered.Key Moments:
00:00:00 - 00:01:00 — Introduction to the Thistles and Dandelions Project: Discussion on the project's symbolism and objectives.00:05:15 - 00:06:30 — Challenges Faced by New Scots: Layla and Ume discuss language barriers and cultural integration.00:12:45 - 00:14:00 — Empowerment Through Community Support00:20:30 - 00:22:00 — Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity: Layla and Ume share personal stories of resilience.00:28:15 - 00:30:00 — Future Vision for the Project: Plans for expanding the project's reach and impactLearn more:
You can find out more about Empower Women for Change on their websiteLearn about the Thistles & Dandelion project on their project blog Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk) -
This episode promises a heartfelt and insightful exploration of Glasgow’s architectural heritage and the enduring legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as Niall welcomes cultural historian Dr Robyne Calvert, a leading expert on Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
Robyne shares her journey to Glasgow in 2007, inspired by Mackintosh's work which she first encountered two decades ago. Her deep connection to Mackintosh’s architecture, particularly the Glasgow School of Art, is a central theme as she discusses her new book, "The Mack: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School of Art," which was released in April by Yale University Press.
Robyne recounts her experiences working at the Glasgow School of Art, including the devastation of the fires in 2014 and 2018, and reflects on her transition from being a captivated student to a dedicated scholar.Highlights:
Robyne Calvert’s journey and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration projectThe unique aspects of Mackintosh's designThe significance of historical photography to the preservation processKey Moments
00:00:27 — Mackintosh's design, not strictly mathematical and intricate reconstruction00:00:42 — Showcasing Mackintosh's bespoke craftsmanship00:02:26 — Calvert’s PhD and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration project00:06:05 — Museum object handling to ensure historical accuracy and preservation.00:08:42 — Photography significance in restoration, capturing details otherwise lost.
You buy Robyne’s book The Mack hereFollow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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Can a band tell the history of a city? And if so, what would that look and sound like? That’s what Professor David Archibald and his band, The Tenementals, are setting out to do.
In this episode David, a Professor of Film & TV at the University of Glasgow, discusses with Niall and Fay the innovative project which aims to make and tell history through music rather than traditional academic means. The conversation explores how the band, composed of academics, artists, musicians, and filmmakers, challenges conventional historical narratives.
Despite the challenging landscape of the music industry The Tenementals have resonated with audiences, particularly young people, and have so far received an enthusiastic response - they’ll be releasing their first album later this year.––
‘Liberated from books’: How The Tenementals’ history is told and made in songWhy one song, Peat Bog Soldiers, has already made historyHear a little of The Tenementals live in Glasgow
Highlights:Key Moments:
00:00:00 — Can a rock band make history? 00:01:15 — The Tenementals, a wild research project00:02:00 — Constructing a transmedia history of a city00:18:37 — Songwriting process00:33:01 — Hope and Revolutionary Histories
You can follow The Tenementals on Facebook @TheTenementals and on Instagram @TenementalsFollow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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In episode two, Dr Alasdair Whyte, a Gaelic singer, writer, and Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, joins Fay to explore the medieval Gaelic roots of Glasgow through its place-names.
Alasdair's research takes us into parts of Glasgow where Gaelic was spoken a thousand years ago. In this green landscape where cattle grazed, we even catch a shadowy glimpse of the farmer's daughter who owned Shettleston. Yes, Shettleston! When you know where and how to look, place-names are full of human history.
In this conversation Alasdair draws on the evidence in his recently published book Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names, co-authored with Katherine Forsyth and Simon Taylor. It caused quite a stir and we are about to find out why.
Highlights:
Uncover the Gaelic origins of Glasgow's place-names with Dr. Alasdair Whyte.Hear stories behind names, like the medieval farmer’s daughter of Shettleston.Explore findings from "Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names," co-authored by Alasdair Whyte.See how Gaelic names reflect Glasgow's landscape and features.Understand the importance of preserving Gaelic place-names.Key Moments:
00:00:10 — The significance of Gaelic place names in Glasgow00:19:41 — The origins and meanings of Gaelic place names in Glasgow00:38:10 — Gaelic place names reflect the natural landscape and features of the area00:41:05 — The evolution of place names and their adaptation over time00:51:08 — Preserving Gaelic place names and promoting cultural heritage awareness
You can buy Alasdair’s book hereFollow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)
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How often do you rush through Glasgow Central Station without a second glance? Never again! Join us on a live, on-location tour with guide Jackie Ogilvie. Discover the station's fascinating history, hidden architectural details and a behind-the-scenes look at the successful Glasgow Central Station tours. Plus, learn about Jackie's exciting museum project in the works.
Highlights:
Live tour experience with guide Jackie OgilvieUnveiling the hidden history and architecture of Glasgow Central StationExploring the popular Glasgow Central Station toursExclusive scoop on Jackie's upcoming museum projectKey Moments:
00:00:01 — The stories underneath00:32:00 — Welcome to the Museum00:53:00 — WWI Memorial Art Installation01:05:00 — The Victorian Platform01:15:00 — Central Station’s evolutionLearn more:
Visit https://www.glasgowcentraltours.co.uk/index.aspx for more information on Glasgow Central Station tours.Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkProduced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage TrustSponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk) -
Get Ready to Hear Glasgow's Secrets! Series 3 of If Glasgow's Walls Could Talk Arrives 27th June!
We're thrilled to announce the return of If Glasgow's Walls Could Talk for a brand new series, premiering on 27th June, 2024.
This series digs deeper, unearthing the wealth of human history built into the city, often giving voice to people whose story has not been told before.
Stay Tuned!
Visit our website for updates: https://www.glasgowheritage.org.uk/Follow us on social media: @GlasgowHeritageJoin the conversation: #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
Produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage TrustKindly sponsored by Tunnock's
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Have you wondered what Niall's favourite building in Glasgow is? Well this week you can find out! The tables are turned on Niall as his good friend Norry finds out about how he ended up at GCHT and any lessons he's learned from the podcast.
Norry Wilson is a well known figure in Glasgow, having set up Lost Glasgow in 2012. Norry is a journalist and social historian with a lifelong fascination with his home city, Glasgow. His Lost Glasgow Facebook page and Twitter accounts, with their mix of archive images and stories relating to Glasgow’s history, have amassed a huge following over the years.
This conversation was recorded on 16th March 2023.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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In our penultimate episode of the Series Niall and conservation architect Fiona Sinclair take a metaphorical walk through Glasgow's many parks and green spaces. They talk about the Victorians who planned these spaces for citizens to enjoy more than a hundred and fifty years ago, how they have changed over time, and how they've been used, with a stop at some of the well known glasshouses along the way.
This conversation was recorded on 9th February 2023.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalkThis podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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We're joined by Gabrielle Macbeth, Volunteer Coordinator at Glasgow Women's Library and Anabel Marsh, one of the Library's longest serving volunteers who tell Niall about their pioneering walking tours which started in 2007. We hear how the staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to highlight women's diverse but often unrecognised impact on the city of Glasgow.
This conversation was recorded on 2 March 2023.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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In our first ever live podcast recording we’re joined by Dr Hilary Wilson and Dr Kate Stevens from Friends of Glasgow Royal Infirmary to hear about the history of the development of Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the many pioneering healthcare providers that worked at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and their experiences setting up the recently opened museum in the Royal Infirmary.
This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience in the museum at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on 24th August 2022.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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Joey and Niall discuss the newly formed Glasgow Housing Struggle Archive and how it informs and is informed by Glasgow's strong connection to housing struggles and movements throughout history. Joey tells us about the Archive, what its aims are and how he envisions it evolving. He also chats with Niall about the tradition of rent strikes, occupations and protest that continues up to today.
Joey is a writer and artist from Glasgow. He is co-founder of the Glasgow Housing Struggle Archive, a member of the National Committee of Living Rent – Scotland’s tenants’ union. He is currently working on a number of projects with the CCA, Platform, Glasgow Sculpture Studios, Edwin Morgan Trust and the Travelling Gallery.
This conversation was recorded on 23rd February 2023.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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Whilst Glasgow may not be as famous as Edinburgh for it’s ghosts and ghouls, there are still stories of many spooky goings on around the city. Join Jan Murdoch Richards from Lanarkshire Paranormal to hear about their investigations in and around Glasgow.
This conversation was recorded on 11th August 2022.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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Glasgow is home to the largest concentration of showpeople in Europe, but they go largely unnoticed in the city until planning issues come to light. In this episode Niall and Dr Mitch Miller discuss the long history of showpeople and their yards in Glasgow, how they have changed and developed over the years, and the current threats to their spaces.
Dr Miller is a social researcher, artist, and cultural activist who comes from a showpeople family. Over the last couple of decades Mitch has become a pioneering presence in Glasgow through his activism. He is perhaps most known for inventing the dialectogram, a piece of graphic art that depicts place from the ground up in collaboration with communities.
This conversation was recorded on 24th January 2023.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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Alasdair Gray’s iconic work is dotted around the city of Glasgow, but how did the city impact his life and work? This week we’re joined by Sorcha Dallas, Custodian of The Alasdair Gray Archive to discuss all things Alasdair Gray. Sorcha met Gray in 2007 and became Custodian of the archive following his death in 2019. The archive holds a large collection of of Gray's work which includes sketches, drawings and original prints, as well as a a re-staging of his working studio set up.
This conversation was recorded on 2nd February 2023.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
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This week we’re joined by photographer Chris Leslie, who began his career in the Balkans in the 1990s. His 2017 book and multimedia project ‘Disappearing Glasgow’ featured photographs, essays and interviews with people from areas in Glasgow which have dramatically changed in the last ten years including Dalmarnock and the Red Road flats. Niall and Chris discuss the changes that they have seen across the city and the impact this has had on the people that live there.
Find out more about Chris’ new book ‘Balkan Journey’ here: https://www.balkanjourney.com/the-book/
This conversation was recorded on 2nd August 2022.
Keep an eye on our website glasgowheritage.org.uk, join us on social media @GlasgowHeritage and follow #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
This podcast was produced by Inner Ear for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. It is kindly sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by Tunnock’s.
- Se mer
