Statue of Snail in the Bottle legal heroine unveiled in Paisley street where it all began
What should have been a run of the mill drink in a Paisley café launched a landmark case which changed the law on negligence across the globe.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 13 September 2018 14:15
Now 90 years after May Donoghue found a dead snail in her bottle of ginger beer in the Wellmeadow Café, a statue in her honour has been unveiled by Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron.
Artist Mandy McIntosh was so inspired by the grandmother’s role as the claimant in the world renowned ‘snail in the bottle’ case, that she created the bronze statue.
The new sculpture is sited just yards from the original café, now long since gone, where May had gone to meet a friend in 1928.
May, then a single mum living in poverty in Glasgow’s East End, successfully sued the ginger beer manufacturer Stevenson’s after falling ill when she found the decomposing mollusc and pursued the action despite being ridiculed in the press.
The case was finally settled out of court in 1932, and May’s actions changed the worldwide laws on negligence and gave power to consumers.
Mandy’s work depicts the doting grandmother two decades after the case was settled, holding her twin granddaughters, Elizabeth and Evelyn, on their christening day in 1952, which is meant to represent the scales of justice.
The artist originally crafted a doll sized depiction in clay and wax before it was cast into bronze at Edinburgh’s Powderhall foundry. The statue rests on an oak plinth with hand coloured bronze spirals which represent the snail.
Paisley-based Mandy used the only known remaining photo of May as the inspiration for the work and was keen to take on the project as traditionally there is a dearth of female statues in Scotland.
She said: “It’s great that Paisley is helping the lead the way to help redress the imbalance of females depicted in public art.
“May was a working class woman and hero, but after the case, it’s like she disappeared in her own lifetime and her own family didn’t even really know about her.
“She probably had the most to lose out of everyone, but despite that, she stood her ground and the impact she had was global. For someone of her background and class, that’s quite remarkable.”
The artist received funding for the project from Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage and Events fund, which was launched in 2015 as part of Paisley’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2021.
Although the competition is over, its legacy continues with applications from local groups still being invited for further rounds of funding.
May’s granddaughter Maggie Houston-Tomlin, whose 65-year-old twin sisters, who now live in Oban and Bournemouth respectively, are represented in the sculpture, says the family are delighted she is being honoured.
Maggie, who was four when May died, only discovered the story of her grandmother after a distant branch of the family tracked her down eight years ago.
She said: “It’s absolutely fantastic this is happening. I’ve already been up to the site and can’t wait to come back to Paisley with my family to see the statue in-situ.
“My grandmother was such a brave lady and it’s a very special thing to happen. It’s incredible the influence someone from her humble background had.”
Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “May Donoghue was clearly a very strong woman who fought for what she believed in and I’m delighted that she will be represented with this piece of public art in Paisley town centre.
“Across Scotland there are traditionally very few statues of women and I hope that Mandy McIntosh’s statue will draw more people to Paisley to learn about May and be inspired by her story and place in legal history.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Residents join the fun at Renfrew Gala Day
Renfrew Gala Day brought kids, families, and friends to Robertson Park for a Hawaiian themed day of fun at the weekend!
READ MORE
OneRen unveils packed programme of activities filling school break with fun, energetic events
Football, gymnastics, rock climbing and kayaking are just some of the action-packed activities available for young people in Renfrewshire to enjoy this summer.
READ MORE
Flying Tiger Copenhagen lands at Braehead Shopping Centre next week
Get ready, Renfrew! Braehead Shopping Centre, Scotland's much-loved retail destination, is delighted to announce the grand opening of Flying Tiger Copenhagen on Friday 13th June.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
Local people invited to help shape the future of Civic Squares in Johnstone
Renfrewshire Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on proposals to revitalise Johnstone's two historic civic squares.
READ MORE
First music & fitness festival in Scotland announced for 2026 with bold mission to reinvigorate Paisley
Paisley Alive is a brand-new weekend cultural experience, combining the electric energy of live music with the feelgood joy of fitness and movement, all wrapped up in a family-first atmosphere!
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Funding awarded to transform derelict land in Ferguslie Park in Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 to deliver the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional greenspace.
READ MORE
From screen to mat: Karate Kid comes to life at XSite Braehead
XSite Braehead host elite karate performance and workshops to celebrate new Karate Kid: Legends movie release, with exciting prizes to be won!
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE
Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding
Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links