Shettleston

• SHETTLESTON   -

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Undyed wool, Silk Organza, WW2 Silk Parachute, Linen Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Silk thread, Cotton thread, Rosebay Willowherb (Fireweed), Beeswax. Alis Le May, 2023

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Building studied : Shettleston Halls / Wellshot Halls 

Architect: Glasgow's Office of Public Works

Completed: 1925

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All that remains today of Shettleston Hall (also known as Wellshot Halls) is the front facade. The building was almost entirely lost to fire in 2008, and the large main hall now only exists in the memories of those who once went there. From the front however, it could almost appear to be intact as the facade appears solid, held between two stone rectangular columns that run the whole height of the building. The wool panels of this garment take reference from these columns, featuring rectangular cut-outs that echo their carved design. Rosebay Willowherb, also known as ‘Fireweed’ - a plant that often flourishes in fire-damaged land, is incorporated in this garment between layers of waxed silk organza. The back of the garment is less solid, - a hazy train of layered silk organza -  a reference to the fact that all that remains of the rest of Shettleston Hall is intangible - memory. 

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