Glasgow East

This fascinating collection of more than 200 archive photographs explores the history of the east of Glasgow over the last 100 years – travelling through the city centre and Glasgow Green, Calton, Mile-end and Bridgeton, Dennistoun, Camlachie and Parkhead, Shettleston, Sandyhills, Tollcross, Dalmarnock and all the way to Daldowie. At the beginning of its recorded history, the concept of an east Glasgow would have seemed a ridiculous notion to inhabitants who could see from one end of their community to the other. However, this changed as the scattered neighbouring communities to the east grew and coalesced with Glasgow, especially as the Industrial Revolution gathered pace.

This heritage is reflected in many of these images: from weavers to mill workers, miners, and, of course, brewers, all aspects of Glasgow’s industrial past are reflected here. But there is another side to the city: from beautiful mansions (and sprawling tenements) to inns, picture palaces, schools and skating rinks, life in Glasgow is at the heart of this collection. Featuring celebrations and disasters, events such as the last ever tram journey through the city and pastimes such as feeding the deer in the park, this is a journey into Glasgow’s past; many of these buildings and institutions have now vanished, and this collection is a rare and nostalgic glimpse of life in the area as it used to be.