A collection of images of old Maryhill never seen before in public is to go on display.
The stills photos and cine film were taken by local man George Ward who was born and bred in Maryhill and who died several years ago.
George used his trusty cameras to document and immortalise the buildings and characters which were integral to Maryhill and Glasgow, many of which have since disappeared.
George left his collection to his children who recall the many family expeditions during the 70s when their father would walk them through the area and tell them stories of his childhood.
Suspended
‘The George Ward Collection’ captures a Maryhill suspended in time, invoking nostalgia for a long-lost city landscape, along Maryhill Road and beyond.
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The exhibition opens on Saturday February 3 and runs until May 11, at Maryhill Burgh Halls. Entry is free.
The exhibition includes old 35mm film photographs of streets and canal landscapes, as well as a selection of footage filmed using 8mm and Super 8 cine cameras.
Also on display are a lamp post and other pieces of street furniture that George salvaged from depots and skips, in the hope that “maybe someday someone will be interested.”
George’s son and daughters fondly remember their dad’s passion which took them all over Glasgow.
Son Richard – who came up with the idea of the exhibition last year - said: “When we were children, our dad would take us to museums and on long walks along the Kelvin and all around Maryhill.
This is not only a memory to our father but also to all characters of Maryhill past that appear on camera.
Richard Ward
“He would tell us stories of his childhood, which left us all with an interest in local history.
“He’d often organise film nights for all our friends and family, projecting his footage onto a portable screen in our home.”
The Ward family has said it is grateful to Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust for making the exhibition possible.
Richard said: “This is not only a memory to our father but also to all characters of Maryhill past that appear on camera.”
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust CEO, Melanie Farrow said: ‘’Maryhill Burgh Halls continues our exhibition programme of locally-inspired exhibitions, with this display of George's photos, films and ephemera.
“We are extremely privileged to be the 'someone that is interested' as we would like to give the opportunity to lots of other people whom we are sure will also be interested.
“Thanks to Richard and the Ward family for approaching us and trusting us with George's collection. We hope the exhibition does their Dad and his memory proud.”
Maryhill Burgh Halls is at 10-24 Gairbraid Avenue G20 8YE. Opening hours are 10am-5pm on weekdays – with late opening to 7.30pm on Thursdays - and 10am-4pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays
