A Glasgow teacher is calling on local artists to help transform the wall of a tenement block targeted by the Nazis during a World War II bombing raid.
Art teacher and south side resident Ally Mac was awarded permission from the council to paint a mural on the outside of her building on Deanston Drive in Shawlands.
Now she hopes to recruit local artists to design and paint artwork that honours the history of the city some 80 years after the block was devastated by the Blitz.
“Due to covid and the restriction of movement, it's never been more important to do these things for everyone," said Ally, who teaches art at a Glasgow secondary school.
With the support of her neighbours and students, Ally, 34, wants to bring local artists together to create something special at the historic site and transform its tragic past into something meaningful.
"Murals, like the mural trail in the city centre, inspire people but also bring some emotional and visual joy to locals as well as visitors,” she said.
“Would we rather be looking at a dull grey wall or a vibrant piece of artwork?”
This April 8th marks exactly 81 years since a German luftmine bomb destroyed the tenement on the corner of Deanston Drive and James Gray Streets in Shawlands.
It is estimated that over 20 people died in the air raid, several of whom were young children, and today the site is home to a nursery.
“I’ve always thought it would be nice to have a memorial, or plaque dedicated to them but now, I think a mural would be amazing,” said Ally. “What a gesture to those lost but also the families who still reside in Shawlands.”
Currently the project is looking for local artists, as well as anyone with fundraising ideas, to help kick start the campaign.
Ally is calling on anyone who would like to be involved in the project to get in touch with her.
“I want to help organise artists to bring more beauty to our city,” she said.
“There is a fund for murals but GCC only do this for the city centre, which I think is a real shame. “Our other communities just outside the centre should also be prioritised. That trail leading south could bring more people here, boasting local business.”
If you would like to be part of the project to transform the historic site, you can email shawlandsmural@gmail.com with your ideas and availability.
