Springburn Shopping Centre: Art Vitrines and Light Boxes

Springburn Shopping Centre made its public debut in 1981, opening against a backdrop of upheaval in Springburn as major road planning forced demolitions and new builds, in a major reconfiguration of the community. The Springburn Expressway is recognised now as one of the most controversial pieces of road planning in Scottish road history and its impacts are still felt. Artist, Mandy McIntosh, comes from Springburn and has been researching and exploring the impacts of planning and regeneration here, specifically in their relation to sculptural artefacts in the public domain. Some of the outcomes of this research are on display in the centre, where unused units have been handed over as gallery vitrines, and digital light boxes, devoid of adverts, now show art prints.The centre features work by Mandy, Springburn Academy and other community based artists. This display includes a 1989 bronze by sculptor Vincent Butler which was returned to the community in 2022. Previously it had been languishing in a foundry following repair after it had been vandalised. In front of the shopping centre stands The Cowlairs Cooperative Monument donated to the city of Glasgow in 1902 (see pictured). This will shortly undergo repair and renovation following sustained and committed efforts by McIntosh working in partnerships with Glasgow City Council, The Hunterian Museum, The Imperial War Museum, Springburn Unity Network and artist Cathy Wilkes.