The city of Glasgow is rich in history, filled with stories of remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to society. Among these unsung heroes is Jessie Soga, a leading suffragette in Glasgow at the turn of the 20th century. Despite the lack of known photos of her, Jessie’s legacy as Scotland’s only documented woman of color in the suffrage movement will now be immortalized through a new library window trail that celebrates the extraordinary working-class Glaswegians who have shaped the city’s history.
Discovering Forgotten Histories
The library window trail, a collaborative effort led by stained glass artist Keira McLean, aims to shed light on the often overlooked stories of individuals who have made a real difference in Glasgow. Through the art of stained glass, these stories are brought to life, allowing visitors to connect with the city’s past in a unique and engaging way. Keira explains, “Glass is a great material for telling stories. All the layers of history you can put into it – it is very exciting.”
The trail currently features eight windows installed in three libraries across Glasgow, with each window showcasing a different figure from the city’s working-class history. The latest addition at Woodside Library pays tribute to Jessie Soga and fellow suffragette Helen Crawfurd, highlighting their activism in the fight for women’s voting rights. By honoring these trailblazers, the window trail serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage displayed by working-class Glaswegians throughout history.
Honoring Jessie Soga and Helen Crawfurd
Born in South Africa to a Glaswegian weaver mother and a Xhosa minister father, Jessie Soga played a pivotal role in the suffrage movement in Glasgow. She co-founded the Hillhead branch of the Women’s Freedom League in 1908, advocating for women’s rights and equality. Similarly, Helen Crawfurd, a Gorbals-born suffragette, was instrumental in establishing the Glasgow Women’s Housing Association and organizing the Rent Strikes of 1915. Both women faced adversity and persecution for their activism, with Helen even enduring imprisonment for her advocacy.
The unveiling of the Woodside Library window, which features Jessie and Helen, was a joyous occasion filled with music, poetry, and storytelling. Singer Lorna Morgan performed musical arrangements of poems written by imprisoned suffragettes, while librarian Clare Thompson shared insights into the research behind the window. The event served as a celebration of Glasgow’s working-class heritage and the resilience of those who have fought for social justice throughout the city’s history.
Community Collaboration and Empowerment
The creation of the library window trail has been a collaborative effort involving various community groups and organizations across Glasgow. In Govanhill, Keira worked with six different community groups to design and create the windows, incorporating themes of Irish heritage, Arab and Asian culture, and the People’s History of Govanhill. Each window reflects the unique stories and experiences of the communities it represents, providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.
Through the process of designing and making the windows, community members have had the opportunity to explore their heritage, express their aspirations, and share their personal stories. The project has empowered individuals to reclaim their histories and showcase the vibrant diversity of Glasgow’s working-class communities. By highlighting the contributions of women like Jessie Soga and Helen Crawfurd, the window trail serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of working-class Glaswegians throughout the city’s history.
In addition to honoring historical figures, the window trail also pays tribute to contemporary activists and community leaders who continue to advocate for social change. By incorporating themes of solidarity, empowerment, and resistance, the windows serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice in Glasgow and beyond. The project not only preserves the legacy of past heroes but also inspires current and future generations to carry on the fight for a more inclusive and equitable society.
As the library window trail expands to include more locations across Glasgow, the stories of working-class individuals who have shaped the city’s history will continue to be celebrated and commemorated. Through the art of stained glass, these unsung heroes are given a lasting tribute that honors their contributions and preserves their legacies for generations to come. The trail serves as a living testament to the resilience, courage, and spirit of Glasgow’s forgotten working-class, ensuring that their voices are never silenced or forgotten.