A new mural reimagining “iconic” political activist Mary Barbour as a modern-day campaigner has been unveiled in Glasgow.
The mural adorns the gable end of 1198 Govan Road, in the area of the city where Barbour played an important role in the Glasgow rent strikes of 1915.
She went on to campaign for an end to the First World War, before becoming one of Glasgow’s first female councillors and working to improve health and welfare services in Govan.
The mural features a colour depiction of a hopeful-looking Barbour with a thistle, next to a black and white image of a street protest.
It was painted by internationally-acclaimed muralist Jeks, who said he hoped it would inspire people to “stand up and fight for what’s right”.
The artwork was commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of the Linthouse Housing Association (LHA), which provides social housing and support in the Govan community.
LHA chief executive Irene C McFarlane described the image as the “perfect curtain-raiser” to the body’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“Mary Barbour was an iconic figure not just in Glasgow but across the wider housing association movement.
“Her contribution cannot be underestimated as she bravely tackled housing injustice and stood firmly on the side of tenants.
“It is therefore highly appropriate that she should be honoured with this new mural as a reminder of her activism.
“It perfectly complements the Mary Barbour statue located at Govan Cross unveiled in 2018.
“Along with two other recently unveiled murals in our community, this latest mural is the perfect curtain raiser to our 50th anniversary celebrations.”
JeksOne described painting the mural as an “honour” on “many levels”.
“Mary Barbour was a hero in her activism, organisation and mobilisation of women to protest for their civil rights,” he said.
“Although this mural is not a literal depiction of Mary, it represents her massive inspiration for all to stand up and speak out for what is right and important in your country and communities.
“Her strength and courage should always be remembered as a guiding light, and I hope this mural inspires young women, men and all to stand up and fight for what’s right.”
TS Beall, lead artist of the Protest and Suffragettes project, said it was “striking” how relevant Barbour’s activism remains today.
“We were delighted to share our research on Mary Barbour with Jeks, and we love how his design weaves in themes of contemporary protest,” she said.
“In conversations with community groups in Govan, we explored what a modern-day Mary Barbour might be fighting for today — and it’s striking how relevant her activism remains more than a century later.
“Honouring her legacy, and that of the many women who fought alongside her isn’t just about remembrance — it’s about recognising the foundations they laid for a fairer society, and how their courage continues to inspire the next generation of activists.”
The mural was commissioned by SWG3’s Yardworks GRID in partnership with the LHA.
It is Yardworks Grid’s fifth large-scale gable-end mural in Govan, and contributes to a “growing trail” of public artworks that celebrate the area’s heritage.
