Memorial to 71 victims of Glen Cinema disaster to be unveiled
A memorial to the 71 children who lost their lives in one of Scotland's worst ever human tragedies is to be unveiled in Paisley town centre.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
First Published: 29 November 2021 11:30
Updated: 29 November 2021 11:31
The Glen Cinema Disaster of 31 December 1929 remains known as Paisley’s Black Hogmanay – yet until now the town centre did not have a permanent memorial for the victims and survivors.
Artists Kerry Stewart and Rachel Lowther were commissioned to work with the local community on a suitable memorial as part of the 90th anniversary of the tragedy.
And their now-finished statue – entitled Rattle/ Little Mother – will be sited in the town’s Dunn Square, across the road from the site of the former cinema, in Dyer’s Wynd.
The tragedy happened when a smoking film canister caused a panic during a packed children’s matinee with more than 600 children present.
The metal gates on the main exit doors had been pulled shut, stopping it from opening, leading to a crush where 71 children died, and more than 30 were injured.
The memorial will be unveiled at a small ceremony led by Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron next Tuesday (30 November) at 1pm, joined by members of the local community.
To create the memorial, Kerry and Rachel met with community groups including the STAR Project, Paisley Community Trust, and pupils from Paisley Grammar School, with a working group formed to help drive the project.
An important part of the process was meeting with the two remaining survivors of the tragedy, and their families.
Community activist Tony Lawler – one of the organisers of the annual ceremony to mark the tragedy which takes place every Hogmanay – was a member of the working group.
He said: “It’s important the town centre has a memorial – as it’s about more than remembering the 71 who died, it’s for the survivors and their families too.
“For a long time, people didn’t really talk about the Glen Cinema – the survivors were sent away to convalesce and didn’t get the support they would have if it happened now.
“The existing memorial at Hawkhead isn’t accessible for everyone, so having one in the town centre is important as it will give people a place to go to reflect.
“Since the 80th anniversary we’ve held community-led memorial ceremonies at the Cenotaph but it has a different purpose. This memorial will provide a new focus dedicated to the Glen Cinema.”
Artists Kerry Stewart and Rachel Lowther said: “Having met with survivors Emily Brown and Robert Pope and processed, through research and community engagement, what happened on that terrible day, we wanted to produce something that spoke to and of the children.
“We have tried to create a sculpture that is playful yet serious, that hovers between a nostalgic lost object - a portal to the children of Paisley, 1929 - and a sacred or devotional object, carrying the story of the children as their own protectors.”
The memorial was funded by the Rotary Club of Paisley and through Future Paisley – the council-led programme of events and activity using the town's unique culture and heritage to transform its future.
Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The Glen Cinema remains printed in Paisley’s collective memory as perhaps the darkest day in the history of the town.
“It is important the events of that horrific day should never be forgotten and that’s why this permanent memorial means so much.
“This has been a real community effort – the artists and the groups they have worked with have done a fantastic job to create a sensitive reminder of the tragedy, and all involved deserve praise for their efforts.
“I would invite any members of the local community to join us on Tuesday to see the memorial unveiled.”
Latest Renfrewshire News
Youngsters get to meet well known book characters at storytelling session in mall
Youngsters will get the chance to meet two of their favourite characters from children's books at Braehead shopping centre tomorrow!
Top Ayrshire hotel unveils plans for new autumn spa breaks
One of Ayrshire's leading hotels has unveiled its plans for new autumn spa breaks for men, women and couples from 1st September until 30th November 2022.
The largest visual arts show in the history of Paisley will open next week!
The biggest visual art exhibition Paisley has ever seen - The Big Art Show - will open on Friday 26th August and run until Saturday 26th November!
170M years in the making... GlasGLOW is back this October with an epic new dinosaur light show
itison has announced GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens between 26th October & 6th November, with a blockbuster new show... an epic dinosaur adventure into The Land That Time Forgot!
Hundreds come together to create spectacular outdoor artwork in Loch Insh in celebration of creativity
The UK's biggest National Park was the chosen location for the latest Green Space Dark Skies project, by the outdoor art experts at Walk the Plank.
Paisley to host spectacular ModStuff event
A scooter spectacular is set to take over Paisley next month as the popular ModStuff event returns to The Spree festival.
Join me in Paisley 10k Road Race, says blind runner Jay
Blind athlete Jay Semple is preparing to take part in his 11th Paisley 10k Road Race and he's encouraging others to join him racing around the streets of Paisley.
The Beat the Street game is coming to Paisley for the first time!
Beat the Street returns to Renfrewshire and will be played in Paisley for the first time!
Green Space Dark Skies announces Ben Nevis as Scottish location in Finale Event
On Saturday 10 September, Ben Nevis in the Glen Coe National Scenic Area (NSA) will provide the backdrop to the last Scottish Green Space Dark Skies outdoor artworks.
Finalists Revealed for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022
Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed today for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.
Green Space Dark Skies: The team of artists working with local communities to bring events to life
Green Space Dark Skies, produced by Walk the Plank and commissioned by UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has revealed the artists who will bring Scotland's August events to life!
Conifox Adventure Park officially breaks world record for the Longest Inflatable Assault Course
Conifox Adventure Park has today confirmed that they have officially broken a world record for the longest inflatable assault course which sits at a mammoth 568 metres.
Youngster Ide had a wizard time at Harry Potter Weekend
Ide MacNeil had a wizard time dressing up as Harry Potter at Braehead shopping centre at the weekend!
Irn Bru launches Sunshine Service
From the Costa Del Leith to the Clyde Riviera, IRN-BRU is set to deliver deckchairs and ice-cold cans to Scottish sun-seekers!
Youngsters have a ball at summer fun activities
Hundreds of children and young people are having a whale of a good time at Renfrewshire Council's summer clubs.
Renfrew welcomes top piping talent
Renfrew's Robertson Park was a sea of tartan on Saturday as Scotland's top pipers and drummers descended on the town for the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition.
A wizard way to raise funds for hospital charity
It's a kinda magic the way Braehead shopping centre plans to raise money for Glasgow Children's Hospital charity!
XSite Braehead encourages visitors to get arty for charity
XSite Braehead, Scotland's leading entertainment destination, is encouraging visitors to unleash their inner artist this weekend in a bid to raise funds for Glasgow's Children Hospital Charity.
Just over 24 hours left to submit your Scottish Album of the Year
Fans, artists and music labels have just over 24 hours left to submit their favourite Scottish album from the past year for this year's SAY Award.
Praise as active travel campaign in Renfrewshire passes 750 members
Walkers, cyclists and public transport users in Renfrewshire are benefitting from discounts at local businesses as part of a year-long active travel campaign.
Work now under way on refurbishment of Paisley Arts Centre
Work has now started on a transformation of Paisley Arts Centre which will add new modern performance facilities and an extension to the much-loved historic venue.
Views sought on regeneration plans for Causeyside Street in Paisley
Locals are being asked for their views on regeneration plans for Causeyside Street in Paisley.
New Paisley Town Hall room names to honour John Byrne and textile heritage
One of Paisley's most famous sons – artist and playwright John Byrne – will be honoured in the new room names for his birthplace's soon-to-be-transformed town hall.
Prizes up for grabs for gardeners
Gardeners in the West of Scotland can show off their green-fingered skills to win a popular gardening contest.
Vacation XSite returns for Summer 2022
XSite Braehead, Scotland’s leading entertainment destination, launches Vacation XSite, an exciting summer-long event.
Artist and playwright John Byrne talks about world premier of his latest musical play Underwood Lane
John Byrne could have ended up playing in a skiffle band like the hero of his latest musical play, Underwood Lane.
Renfrew set to welcome talented pipers and drummers to first competition in the town
Renfrew's Robertson Park will welcome some of Scotland's top piping talent this July for a new event in Renfrewshire's events calendar.
Thousands enjoy Sma Shot Day fun in Paisley
Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of spectacular parades, performances and live entertainment at Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations!
Salon owners receive honour at Investiture
Alan and Linda Stewart, Co-Owners of Scotland’s largest salon group and multi award winners, Rainbow Room International have received their OBE Award for Services to Hairdressing.
Scottish Album fo the Year opens for eligible album submissions today
Today, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award returns for 2022, calling on artists, labels and music fans to submit eligible albums – for free.
Sponsored Links
