A new museum exhibition at Lambhill Stables celebrates the life and work of the forgotten mining communities along the Forth and Clyde Canal in the north of Glasgow.
The exhibition, entitled Coal, Cottages and Canals, is part of a two year community history project, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is investigating the vanished rows of miners’ cottages between Lambhill and Bishopbriggs.
The names of Lochfauld, Laigh Possil, Kenmure Row and Mavis Valley linger dimly in the memories of the people who grew up in the north of Glasgow – virtually nothing remains of the cottages themselves. This project may be the last opportunity to preserve the memories of people who either lived or whose family members lived in these cottages.
A team of local volunteers has been carrying out community archaeology, photographic surveys, oral history recordings and census data research, gathering clues from the past in order to paint a vivid picture of Glasgow’s changing landscape that future generations can appreciate and enjoy. In this way, Coal, Cottages and Canals aims to contribute to the transformation of the Forth and Clyde Canal from a disused relic of Scotland’s industrial past to the vibrant green space that exists today.
The volunteers have been supported in creating their exhibition by the Open Museum, the community outreach team of Glasgow Museums. The display features a selection of objects discovered in the area, alongside artefacts donated by members of the Lambhill Stables History and Heritage Group relating to the themes of the exhibition. Together, they tell the story of life and work in the cottages along the canal.
Colin Clark, Heritage Coordinator for Lambhill Stables, said, “We’re excited to be able to present the work of our volunteer historians in such a beautiful and accessible way. The grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has allowed us to shine a light into a part of Glasgow’s past that’s in danger of disappearing for good. We hope the exhibition will attract more visitors to the area, and to Lambhill Stables, to find out about the lost communities that played such a vital role in growing our city’s fortunes.”
“Coal, Cottages and Canals is a great project as it shows clearly how local heritage can be a catalyst for lots of different activities and bring people together behind a common purpose. HLF is pleased to support Lambhill Stables in its plans to recruit volunteers of all ages, offer skills training and, thanks to National Lottery players, enable people to enjoy the history on their own doorstep.”
Coal, Cottages and Canals will be displayed in the History and Heritage Room at Lambhill Stables for one year from Monday 3rd October. Admission is free.