Tales of Things

Where everything has its memory

Clothes Poles

Creator: NationalMuseumsScotland on 8 Apr 2011, 1 p.m.

Clothes poles like this were found in the backcourts of tenement flats across Scotland. Washing was often done in wash houses (or steamies) which were shared areas for residents to use.

Tales

Video1

> Image0 Audio0 Other0

Clothes Poles

This film shows the drying green on Glasgow Green (public park in the east end of Glasgow) which was a communal area free for the public, away from their often cramped housing conditions. People still used to hang their washing out on the Green as late as the 1970s. The cast iron clothes polls can still be found in the park as a reminder of days gone by.Shots of the drying green at Glasgow Green.

This film gained three stars in the Amateur Cine World Ten Best Competition in 1962. Made with the co-operation of Mr Emslie, Curator of the People's Palace.

Film clip taken from "The Green of Glasgow" 1962. © NLS Scottish Screen Archive

Created by: NationalMuseumsScotland on 28 Mar 2011, 5:14 p.m.

Show on Map

Comments

There are no comments for this tale!

Video0 Image0 Audio0 Other0

Glasgow Green

The poles on Glasgow Green nowadays look like an art piece as they are not connected with string which to be honest on Glasgow might create a health hazard which is a shame. Today Glasgow Green is used by families at the week ends and is host to music events, I have seen Radiohead there twice, which I suppose is the modern version of communal activities!

Created by: ScienceFestival on 16 Apr 2011, 2:13 p.m.

Show on Map

Comments

There are no comments for this tale!