Glasgow Museums launch new book of Eric Watt photography of Glasgow from 1960s to 1990s
Glasgow Museums publish an evocative book of late, amateur photographer Eric Watt's photographs of Glasgow.
Article Source: Glasgow Museums
Last Updated: 28 October 2020 13:47
Image Credit: Front cover (c) CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection
Glasgow has changed beyond recognition since the late 1950’s, as skillfully captured in more than 3,500 photographs taken by the late, amateur photographer Eric Watt. A new book Coming Into View: Eric Watt's Photographs of Glasgow is an evocative collection of almost 100 images, revealing different aspects of the city he grew up in, through a period of great change. The book, which introduces one of Scotland’s greatest, yet largely unknown, practitioners of Scottish street photography will be launched on 31 October.
Eric Watt’s first job was Quality Controller of Schweppes in Possil Park, before turning to teaching. A secondary schoolteacher by trade, he created much of this body of work during his spare time as a member of Queens Park Camera Club in Glasgow. Following his death in 2005, a large part of his archive was gifted to Glasgow Museums’ collection by Eric’s brother Graham Watt. Many of his images also went to Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Industrial Heritage Society.
Some of the most well-known aspects of city life are depicted in Eric Watt’s photographs. The changing face of the city is documented with affection and curiosity, including new high-rise housing, the M8 motorway and the growing South Asian population. This is complemented by striking images of kids at play and Glaswegians enjoying rare leisure time at the football, horse racing and big city events.
A mix of black and white and colour photos, Coming Into View: Eric Watt's Photographs of Glasgow reveals the playful eye of a prolific photographer and his dramatic, loving and sensitive way of capturing Glasgow on film. The book is divided into sections that illustrate themes such as Politics and Protest; Faith; Leisure; Working Life; Shopping; River Clyde; and The Changing City.
Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald, said: “We are grateful to Eric’s family for their incredibly generous donation and to Friends of Glasgow Museums whose support made publication possible.
“Glasgow Museums continues to care for, process and archive this important bequest of more than 3,500 images. Collections held within Glasgow’s libraries and museums are some of the most reliable and engaging records of the city’s history, and this gift greatly enhances our archives. I am certain the book will increase people’s awareness of this invaluable collection going forward.
“The book beautifully illustrates real life in Glasgow. It is very relatable. There’s a real warmth to many of the images and a grittier side to others. I was captivated. Perhaps it’s too early to start talking about Christmas, but I think it could be a perfect stocking filler for anyone who grew up in Glasgow from the 1960s onwards.”
Graham Watt, Eric Watt’s brother, said: “It all started when Eric was 13. He got a small camera for Christmas in 1947. I got nothing so exciting. And so he acquired an interest that absorbed him for the rest of his life. He always left the house with at least two cameras round his neck should he see something of interest, which he nearly always did. Then it was back to his bedroom which had a huge cabinet containing all his developing paraphernalia. He then spent the evenings mounting his slides and finally the family were entertained to a show among which are the historical pictures contained in this book.
“This is just a small part of his legacy, he left some 30,000 slides on all sorts of subjects, the result of going out with a couple of cameras. We are very proud that somewhat late in the day he should be afforded this recognition and my thanks are due to Glasgow Museums for making this possible.”
Coming Into View: Eric Watt's Photographs of Glasgow includes essays about Eric Watt’s life and career, written by Glasgow Museums' Curator of Social History Isobel McDonald, and by Alison Brown, Curator of European Decorative Art & Design 1800–present, who shares her personal memories of Eric. Publication was only made possible thanks to the generosity of the Friends of Glasgow Museums, who gave a £5K grant towards the print cost.
Previously a selection of Eric Watt’s work comprised the 2002 exhibition at Scotland Street School Museum ‘Bairns and Backstreets’, which proved so popular some of the images were always on display within the museum, and the exhibition was shown again in full in 2007. While that exhibition focused on his images of children, the new display at Kelvingrove offers a comprehensive overview of Eric’s work, showing similar themes to those of the book.
Coming Into View: Eric Watt's Photographs of Glasgow is now available to order from BookSource 0845 370 0067, £12.99.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Dobbies free February workshops
Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MORE
Casting announced for Scottish premiere of Tina
The King's Theatre Glasgow are delighted to announce the full cast for the Scottish premiere of hit production Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.
READ MORE
Full programme announced for Glasgow Film Festival 2025
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 has announced the full programme for its 21st edition. Scotland's largest annual celebration of cinema will showcase 92 World, UK and Scottish premieres from 39 countries.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850 kicks off a year of festivities with programme launch
Glasgow City Council has officially launched its Glasgow 850 programme for 2025, a spectacular year-long celebration marking 850 years since the city gained Burgh status!
READ MORE
Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez are back with their biggest ever tour for 2025!
Strictly Come Dancing professionals Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez are thrilled to bring their all-new show SPEAKEASY to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall next month!
READ MORE
Social run club marks 1st Anniversary with complimentary hosted run and coffee morning
Glasgow's leading running club, Solemates, is marking its first anniversary in style by teaming up with Granary Quay to host a unique social run club and coffee morning.
READ MORE
New opening: The Noble Public House is set to launch in Glasgow city centre
The Noble is set to open next month in Glasgow's city centre, re-imagining the classic British pub and taking an elevated yet unpretentious approach to hospitality.
READ MORE
WestFest is back for its third annual festival this June
After a successful 2024 festival, comprising over 130 events and reaching total audience numbers of over 110,000, the third annual WestFest will take place this year from 1st to 29th June.
READ MORE
Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections banishes winter blues as it begins in Glasgow
Celtic Connections kicks off today with this year's edition featuring renowned artists, secret sets, and unique collaborations, showcasing traditional, folk, world, and roots music!
READ MORE
IRN BRU team up with YO! to offer haggis sushi to reimagine Burns Supper in Glasgow
IRN-BRU and YO! are reimagining Burns Suppers, teaming up to fuse sushi with haggis to help Glaswegians celebrate Scotland's National Day with a 2025 twist.
READ MORE
Silverburn breaks fundraising record for Glasgow Childrens Hospital Charity
Silverburn, has announced a record-breaking amount has been raised in 2024 in support of its long-standing charity partner, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
READ MORE
Pigeon Shrine FrightFest announces 2025 Glasgow Film Festival line up
FrightFest, the UK's top horror film festival, returns to Glasgow Film Festival for its 20th year. Expect terrifying world premieres, short films and more all at the iconic Glasgow Film Theatre!
READ MORE
Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MORE
Hopeful parents across Glasgow are invited to adoption event
Kibble Adoption, the newly launched service from the children's care charity, is inviting people to join them for an event that highlights the benefits of adoption for both parents and children.
READ MORE
David Hayman leads fresh new production of Death Of A Salesman at The Pavilion Theatre
One of the greatest plays of the twentieth century, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman explodes onto the stage in this fresh new production led by acclaimed actor David Hayman.
READ MORE
Tron Theatre presents a modern take on A View From The Bridge
Tron Theatre Company is delighted to be presenting the award-winning play A View From The Bridge written by American playwright Arthur Miller.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MORE
Eat Happy returns to itison
itison's annual Eat Happy promotion is back with more than 100 of Scotland's best loved venues taking part including Sloans bringing back its unbelievable mac and cheese deal for only £2!
READ MORE
Extra_Ordinary new restaurant to open in Finnieston
A new pan-Asian powerhouse that seamlessly blends Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisines will open this month in Glasgow Finnieston.
READ MORE
Govan group Dates N Mates awarded Asda Foundation Grant
Asda’s charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £400 to Scotland's friendship charity run by and for adults with learning disabilities.
READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MORE
New fund invites Glasgow community groups to roll out wheelie good ideas encouraging local participation in physical activity
Local organisations are being encouraged to apply for support from a new fund designed to increase public participation in cycling and wheeled urban sports.
READ MORE
The reels on the bus
Innis & Gunn celebrated Celtic Connections, which kicks off this week, with a 'jig on, jig off' bus tour featuring trad band Gnoss which started and ended at different taprooms.
READ MORE
Sci Fi Galactic Adventures exhibition opening at Riverside Museum
Glasgow's Riverside Museum is giving visitors a chance to step into a galaxy far, far away and experience the magic of the world’s favourite space saga.
READ MORE
The Quay raises thousands in 2024 for local charities
Staff from the multi award-winning entertainment complex in the Southside of Glasgow ended 2024 by supporting nine charities throughout the year and raising £8650 for a range of wonderful causes.
READ MORE
Silverburn announces record breaking footfall in 2024 with new retail and leisure additions to boost 2025 growth
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has announced a record-breaking year, surpassing its previous record year in 2023 by 42,000 visitors.
READ MORE
Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies
Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces biggest programme for 2025
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has unveiled the line up for the 2025 festival, which will be its biggest ever event, with over 550 shows taking place in venues across the city!
READ MORE
BrewDog launches brand new Touchdown Lager ahead of big game watch parties in Glasgow and Edinburgh
BrewDog, is partnering with Tesco to launch a brand new grid-iron inspired Wingman Lager. If only there was a massive game coming up that it could tie-in perfectly with...
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links