Day 1

We are working with Luigi and Laura to facilitate and make introductions for a three stage photography project documenting the past , present and future of Glasgow. Day one was a day of introductions. There was a visit to well documented Govan Baths.

The baths were designed by A B McDonald and opened in 1917 after the architect’s death. They contained hot baths in the upper storey and three swimming pools on the ground floor. There was a seating gallery around one of the pools for spectators attending events such as galas. There was also a wash-house or “steamie” at the rear of the building, which was converted to a launderette in 1971.

After the council closed the baths, the campaign to save Govanhill Baths began in December January 2001 which resulted in an occupation of the building from March 17 until August 7, 2001 when Sheriff’s Officers accompanied by police removed the protesters and boarded up the pool. Since then, a growing community has continued campaigning for the redevelopment and reopening of the facilities to residents of Govanhill and surrounding communities. The Govanhill Baths Community Trust organises fundraising events, sends out regular newsletters and runs the highly popular Govanhill Baths Open days in which members of the public are shown round the building for free.

visit Luigi’s blog to see the first glimpses of the photos.