Explore local heritage at Kirkintilloch Town Hall

Date: 
Monday, 26 March, 2018


Fascinating research by talented women in East Dunbartonshire will go on display in Kirkintilloch from Saturday 7 April.

Women Make Heritage! is the name of a new co-curated exhibition – the first to be held at Kirkintilloch Town Hall's new dedicated heritage and activity facility, Made in Kirkintilloch – which brings together visual research from the newly-formed Women’s History Group.

It will be an excellent opportunity for people to see inside the fantastic town hall building, following completion of its restoration and ahead of its official opening later this year.

Last year, 10 local women embarked on a personal journey of exploration and creation as they responded to an aspect of local history and heritage, with a particular emphasis on work carried out by women, associated memories and stories.

Inspired by the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) photographic collection, the group explored local women working in a wide range of industries and roles - from weaving, spinning and mining, through to leadership and philanthropy.

The resulting artworks will now be exhibited - accompanied by research materials and a portrait of the Women’s History Group.

Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said, "Congratulations to everyone involved for their inspirational work to explore local heritage, as part of the Made in Kirkintilloch project.”

EDLC Trust Chair Sandy Marshall added, "The Women Make Heritage! exhibition sounds fascinating - offering a glimpse into the lives of women through the ages in East Dunbartonshire.

"It's particularly exciting as this is the first exhibition to be held within the new dedicated heritage display and activity space."

Women Make Heritage! was realised in collaboration with artist Rachel Mimiec working with local women Melanie Brickley, Morag Campbell, Elaine Carlton, Liz Dempsey, Alison Graham, Isobel Hartley, Margaret Hyde, Kim Kilgour, Alice Mackenzie and Joanna O’Brien.

The exhibition is being launched at Kirkintilloch Town Hall on Saturday 7 April 2018 at 11am. The building will be open from 10am to 4pm and there will be plenty of hands-on activities to get involved with on the day.

The exhibition will run until 19 May and will be open to the public – as well as the wider Made in Kirkintilloch facility – from 10am-4pm, Mon-Thurs (restrictions may apply depending on bookings at the town hall – call 0141 777 3143 for more details).

In addition, artist Rachel Mimiec will be talking about her findings and work for Trails and Tales - with a particular emphasis on women, local communities, landscape and material - at Kirkintilloch Town Hall on Thursday 19 April, from 6.30pm-8.30pm.

  • Bookings can now be made for Kirkintilloch Town Hall, with an official opening due to take place later this year. E-mail edlct.bookings@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call 0141 777 3143.
  • Facilities include:
  1. Main hall - offering flexible auditorium and events space (17m x 16.5m) with a potential capacity for 300 people, lighting and portable staging
  2. New extension - containing lesser town hall (8.8m x 18m), reception and offices
  • Made in Kirkintilloch is a new arts and heritage learning space – within the town hall - created by EDLC Trust, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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