The Briggait was originally the citys fish market and has now been transformed into a vibrant new home for over 80 artists and cultural organisations, alongside hosting exhibitions and events.

It is a beautiful Category A listed building in Glasgows medieval quarter, the Merchant City. Originally built in 1873, the Briggait was the citys fish market for over 100 years.

By the turn of the millennium it was clear the building was in severe need of some TLC; rain poured in and parts were entirely derelict.

In 2001, Wasps Artists’ Studios set out on the long road to redevelop the building and it has now been transformed.

Details of Added Activities:

Both Days:

Launch of Living Memories Film

Do you remember the Briggait as a shopping centre? Did you come to the Briggait with your parents for fish when you were wee? Maybe you used to work there in one of the Briggait’s former lives?After asking many people these questions, we were able to put together an oral history film called Living Memories. The film was grant aided by Glasgow City Heritage Trust and will be premiered at the Briggait throughout Doors Open Day.

Saturday 21st September:

The Mobile Foundry, Demonstrations 10am 1pm

The Mobile Foundry is an unique travelling metal-casting workshop run by the sculptor Roddy Mathieson. It delivers public art workshops, projects, and commissions. TMF employs a variety of technologies and techniques, from traditional bellows to modern propane furnaces, and we invite you to join in with experimenting with the process.

Come Along and Have a Go! 

Roddy will be running sessions for the public to have a go at casting during two sessions on Saturday afternoon1.30-2.30pm & 3pm-4pm

Adults and children 4+ are welcome but please be aware that small children will need to be supervised by an adult. Each session will be limited to 12 places and you can book your place in advance by emailing [email protected] or come along on the day and put your name down before the sessions starts.

Roddy says: Each project we do is different, and for the Doors Open Day at the Briggait we will be setting up our bellows furnace and recreating some of the techniques used in the victorian era in a live demonstration where you can help by pumping the bellows and making the sand-mould, this will be followed in the afternoon by public workshop sessions where you can operate the bellows and have your own design cast using the cuttlebone mould process.

www.facebook.com/themobilefoundry

Talk Pattern Maker Ruth Davies 2pm

Pattern Maker Ruth Davies specialises in wood patterns for castings in iron, bronze, brass and aluminium and will be giving a talk about her practice. Since January 2008 Ruth has been self employed as a patternmaker and woodcarver, working alongside her mentor Robert Pollock. With high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail she has completed many and varied jobs – everything from architectural ironwork patterns such as fancy railings, balusters and finials, to carved plaques and signs in wood and fibreglass.

www.rdpatterns.co.uk

Exhibition Art and Living: Laurieston

Art and Living: Laurieston is an artist-led strategy for Laurieston that presents 20 key opportunities for art and artists to engage with this significant area just across the River Clyde. An architectural masterplan will guide significant change in this area over the next five years and this exhibition highlights the importance of integrating opportunities for art and artists within these plans.

Sunday 22nd September:

Judys Vintage Kilo Sale

We will be paying tribute to the Briggaits history as a market venue by hosting Judys vintage Kilo Sale.  After selecting your items, take them to the weighing desk where you will be charged a mere £15 per kilo! Judy says Theres no better place to shop affordable vintage in a BIG way, throw away your clothes, come get a new wardrobe and still have money left over.

www.judysvintagefair.co.uk/kilo/