The Archaeology of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival

The 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival was a seminal event in the modern re-invention of the city. In this lecture, Kenny will consider how archaeology (especially Roman) was represented at the Festival, including the unique reconstruction of an Antonine Wall gatehouse. He will also discuss the results of his own fieldwork and excavations (2022-2024) across what remains of the Festival site. The case will be made that archaeology is a powerful tool to explore recent events, engage the public, and unlock memories.

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A. Attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the lecture and other interests with the speaker, Society Fellows and other attendees.
This talk will be presented by Dr Kenny Brophy BSc FSAScot, University of Glasgow.
Kenny is a Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Glasgow with 30 years’ experience of research and fieldwork into Scotland’s Neolithic and 20th century archaeology. This includes being co-director of the Strathearn Environs and Royal Forteviot (SERF) Project since 2006. Current research interests include the contemporary archaeology of prehistory, Glasgow’s archaeology, and exploring the social benefits of archaeology.

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and online. Please keep an eye on the Society website, e-newsletters and your email inbox for the latest news and further information on Society events.

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All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. The venue is working to get this fixed as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

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Header image credit: The reconstructed Antonine Wall gatehouse taken during the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival © Michael Gannon

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