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Shadow on the Wall

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Text (October 2023) and photography (May 2023) by Christian Speck.
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Inspired by Raymond Depardon's photographs in the early 1980s (see here: «Glasgow», Raymond Depardon) I wanted to photograph the famous red brick walls of yesterday's Glasgow - the industrial capital of Scotland, as old Glaswegians say.

Some impressions.

Shadow on the Wall. At the corner of New Wynd and Parnie Street. Glasgow. May 2023.

Many of the old red brick walls have had to give way to modern development - which seemed to make sense from an economic point of view. Today, however, it is a real loss of tradition and character.

Not far from where I was staying during my week in Glasgow I came across a huge red brick wall at the corner of New Wynd and Parnie Street.

New Wynd, Glasgow. May 2023.

The Yorkhill Street drill hall at the corner of Yorkhill Street and Gilbert Street is an impressive red brick wall building in the West End of Glasgow. Between 1901 to 1999 it was used for military purposes (see here). The «Yorkhill Street drill hall» was converted to residental use in 2000.

Could I please rent a loft in there?

Yorkhill Street drill hall, Gilbert Street, Glasgow. May 2023.

Having the privilege of spending a week in Glasgow working on this photographic project was very inspiring and helped me to gain valuable insights into Glasgow and the wonderful people of Glasgow. I spent a lot of time wandering the alleys looking for the beautiful brick walls. I am sure there are many more to discover - perhaps in future projects?

Unfortunately, many of Raymond Depardon's brick walls have disappeared.

Glasgow changes.

people
make
glasgow

please care
for
tradition