Tracing Glasgow's Imperial Past in Kelvingrove Park

Glasgow’s urban landscape was shaped by empire and Kelvingrove Park is no exception. This heritage trail explores sites within the park that reflect the myriad ways Glasgow – its businesses, its institutions and its people – was implicated in chattel slavery, colonialism and imperialism. Traces of this past are largely invisible today – there are no signs or plaques telling us about this – but by slow walking and close looking we can bring these ‘hidden’ histories into focus.

Meeting point: Eastern entrance to Kelvingrove Park located at the intersection of Clifton Street and LaBelle Place

Accessibility

This event takes place outdoors in Kelvingrove Park – please dress for the weather. Whenever possible, we will be stopping at locations where there are benches and other forms of seating. The walk keeps to paved paths, however, the ground is uneven in places and the route includes walking uphill to the top of Park Circus. Public toilets are available at Kelvingrove Bandstand and inside Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.

Additional Information

This event is part of a research project at the University of Glasgow that examines walking as a critical heritage practice. Led by Dr Rosie Spooner, a lecturer in the School of Humanities, the project involves developing, leading and seeking feedback on guided walking tours and self-led walking resources. By joining this tour you are participating in the experience of collective walking. This will be documented through written field notes and occasionally photography (no recording devices will be used during the tours). At the end of each tour, attendees will be given the opportunity to share their experiences and provide feedback through completing a short survey. Participation is voluntary and all responses will be anonymised.

Meeting point: Eastern entrance to Kelvingrove Park located at the intersection of Clifton Street and LaBelle Place

By attending a CRER event, you agree to the Event Attendance Agreement:

Event Attendance Agreement — BLACK HISTORY MONTH SCOTLAND

This tour is part of Black History Month 2024. To see the full programme of events please go to www.blackhistorymonthscotland.org

Host or Publisher Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights #BHM24