A set of six costumes has been created to celebrate the heritage and people of Glasgow’s East End.
The hand-made garments have been designed by bespoke tailor, Alis Le May, to reflect the area’s historic buildings.
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Alis said: “The East End of Glasgow often suffers from negative associations and it’s not somewhere people regard as a destination to see beautiful architecture.
“That’s why this project matters to me. I want people to take a fresh look at the area – to appreciate its people, its buildings, the memories they inspire, and even the flowers and plants which grow there.
“This is a very special place to me and I get very frustrated hearing people write it off. In fact, I’ve lived in lots of places but it was only after moving to Dennistoun that I had the sensation that I was somewhere I could call ‘home’.
“These buildings are not just architectural landmarks; they are repositories of community memories and shared histories.”
Each costume has been modelled by residents outside of the inspired buildings such as Lillian Kelly, 82, a former Templeton Carpet Factory employee, who was photographed in a costume inspired by the Calton factory and Kristine Walsh, 76, who was pictured in the Shettleston Halls inspired costume.
The costumes will be displayed at the free Eastern Ground exhibition which opens on November 3 in Dalmarnock.
The exhibition will also include photographs and wall hangings designed and made by students from Glasgow schools as part of an outreach exercise.
The Eastern Ground is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, The Holywood Trust, Clyde Gateway and Glasgow City Heritage Trust.
Jackie Stewart, creative industries officer at Creative Scotland, said: “The Eastern Ground exhibit weaves together craft and community into the rich tapestry that is Glasgow’s heritage.
“Thanks to National Lottery funding, this project can encourage students, in particular, to get to know their local East End area, environment and traditional crafting practices.
"The beautiful garments exhibited represent another stitch in Glasgow’s history that residents can be proud of."
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Martin McKay Clyde Gateway chief executive added: “Clyde Gateway is a fascinating area that offers a wealth of architectural, social, and cultural history.
"We are delighted to support Eastern Ground, a project that creatively and subtly acknowledges this history whilst engaging local people and communities in the creative process. We look forward to the exhibition which is hosted in Dalmarnock an area that is enjoying a rebirth."
Taylor Cross-Whiter, Glasgow City Heritage Trust Heritage Officer, said: “We are excited to be helping fund Eastern Ground, which beautifully celebrates the historic buildings and people of Glasgow's East End.
"Our mission is to safeguard and promote Glasgow's rich architectural legacy, and this project is a testament to the power of the city’s built heritage to connect communities and create new opportunities for Glasgow."
For more information on the Eastern Ground, click HERE
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