Two galleries have opened at Emmaus charity shops in Glasgow. The exhibitions show stunning images of Glasgow captured by a photographer who has experienced homelessness.
Photography and homelessness might not be an association that immediately springs to mind: a stolen image of someone experiencing homeless on the street, perhaps. But one photographer has taken his lived experience of homelessness to document Glasgow through his lens.
The artist, who would like to be known as B, is showcasing his work in Galleries at Emmaus Glasgow’s Hamiltonhill and Partick stores. A former resident at Emmaus, B has a lifelong love of taking photographs. Whilst staying at Emmaus, he completed a photography course to improve his already naturally gifted eye.
Emmaus
Emmaus Glasgow is a trauma-informed charity in Scotland empowering people to overcome homelessness for good. The charity supports people to move on from homelessness and build a better future. It provides a place to call home and training and work opportunities as part of a tailored package of support.
These generate the funding needed to provide Emmaus Glasgow’s home and support for people with experience of homelessness as well as the charity’s soup kitchens for people in need.
Of Emmaus, B says ‘Emmaus has done a lot for me. I have struggled with my mental health over the years, and Emmaus has supported me with counselling and an understanding you don’t always find in communities. They look after people; I’ve not got to worry about losing a home because of their compassion.’
Glasgow Through B’s Lens
The exhibition documents Glasgow new and old, with many of the images very personal to B. Referring to his image of two entrances on either side of Glasgow’s Star Bar, he says ‘You can get a three-course meal there for a few pounds. It stood out for me because I’ve been to soup kitchens in the past, and I know what it’s like to struggle.
The exhibition is also a chance for Glasgow residents to reminisce. B says, ‘Much of the artwork in the photographs I have taken around Glasgow, have since disappeared. The World’s Most Economical Taxi that I took on Mitchell Street has now been graffitied over, and one I took of Begbie holding a can showing one of Tennent’s larger ladies, at the back of Argyll Street, has now gone. So, you’ll be seeing photos of captured moments; wait, and they’re gone.’
With images of sunrise at St Enoch’s tube station and the iconic ‘smartie tube’ bridge from the SEC over the expressway, B’s images capture iconic scenes of Glasgow.
And what’s more, proceeds from the sales of B’s photographic prints will go into funding the incredible work of Emmaus Glasgow. Plus, visitors to the galleries get to opportunity to own some truly individual images of the city.
‘Photography gets you out, when you don’t want to go out,” Says B. I like taking photos around the city because Glasgow is a great place to explore. When people come into Emmaus Glasgow charity shops, the photos will remind them of places in the city…’
A perfect Christmas present; visit Emmaus now.
Emmaus can take direct referrals of those at risk or experiencing homelessness via their website or by making an enquiry directly on 0141 353 3903.
Emmaus Galleries in Stores –
Emmaus Partick Shop
572 Dumbarton Road, G11 6RH
Hamiltonhill Shop
101 Ellesmere Street, G22 5QT
