When invited to work across Glasgow’s Ward 10 on the Creative Communities: Artists in Residence programme, I wanted to look at the massive split caused by the construction of the M8 motorway, uniquely running right through the centre of the city. Alongside these forced changes in landscape at the time, local families were dealing with considerable shifts in their community: workwise, access to healthcare, along with growing aspirations. I was fortunate enough to interview local women (born between 1922 and 1963) about the changes that affected them and their concerns for the future, where issues like poverty and debt are still at the forefront for many Glaswegians. My projects always encourage participants to think of themselves as archivists of their own life story. This audio installation and accompanying book shares their warmth, humour and continued mettle, bringing the city’s formal archives to life.

Supported by Creative Communities funded by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life.