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james73

Fury over Gorbals tribute to man who designed ‘Alcatraz’

AN exhibition paying tribute to the man who designed the notorious Hutchesontown
C block has opened in the Gorbals - and has been slammed by a former city councillor.

The exhibition is marking the centenary of architect Sir Basil Spence's birth.

But Jimmy Mutter, who was councillor for the Gorbals for 23 years, said local
people do not want to be reminded of Sir Basil. Mr Mutter said: "I think most
people will want to forget their time in the tower blocks.

"They have all got their new houses now and will be glad to be out of there.

"I am surprised the exhibition is coming here. Maybe it should because the blocks
were here.

"But it was a disaster from the early days - it was a big grey block that was an
eyesore and quickly became known as Alcatraz.

"At the time the flats went up they were quite good, but they quickly deteriorated.
When we held a big meeting to decide if they should be demolished, it was more or
less unanimous in favour of them coming down."

The exhibition, Sir Basil Spence - Celebration Of A Modern Architect, is at the
Gorbals Library.

The architect's post-war designs were initially loved by 60s families, but soon
became hated after deteriorating into slums.

James H
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Happiness ain't at the end of the road - Happiness *IS* the road...

falseface · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:40 pm Post subject:

thanks for the heads up. I must check it out
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Who farted?

glasgowken · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject:

Always nice to see this sort of exhibition but I suppose the "Celebration" part of the title is the stickler ?