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The George Ward Collection – Images of Old Maryhill

3 February – 11 May, 2024

Maryhill Burgh Halls, 10 – 24 Garbraid Avenue, Glasgow G20 8YE

Collection of never-before-seen images of Old Maryhill to be displayed at Maryhill Burgh Halls

A local man’s archive of photos and cinefilm footage taken by his father in the 1970s is the subject of a new exhibition.

The late George Ward, a Maryhill man born and bred, 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.

‘The George Ward Collection’ captures a Maryhill suspended in time, invoking nostalgia for a long-lost city landscape, along Maryhill Road and beyond.

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 – recall:

‘’When we were children, our dad would take us to museums and on long walks along the Kelvin and all around Maryhill. 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 is grateful to Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust for making this exhibition possible: ‘’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 says:

‘’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!’’

The exhibition opens on Saturday 3^rd February and runs until 11^th May 2024, at Maryhill Burgh Halls, 10-24 Gairbraid Avenue G20 8YE. Entry is free.

Opening hours are 10am-5pm on weekdays – with late opening to 7.30pm on Thursdays – and 10am-4pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

For further information contact Maryhill Burgh Halls on 0141 948 0700 or Email

To find out about special openings, check Maryhill Burgh Halls’ website and social media pages:

Facebook Maryhill Burgh Halls Twitter: @maryhill_halls  Instagram: @maryhillburghhalls 

About Maryhill Museum 

Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust is committed to collecting and making accessible the history of the Burgh Halls and Maryhill area. The museum serves as a place to share our local history collection and offer opportunities for community displays. The aim of the museum is to safeguard and celebrate our shared history.

About Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust 

Maryhill Burgh Halls is a space for community events, local history and businesses. We are volunteer-led and rely on donations to advance local access to arts, heritage and culture and engage with the local and wider community. We strive to make culture and heritage accessible for all. Maryhill Burgh Halls acts as a focal point for residents to celebrate culture and community history, while addressing the social welfare needs of the local community.

Further information

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