Ever wondered about the story frozen in bronze on this corner? These are the Gorbals Boys. They stand on the corner of Cumberland Street and Queen Elizabeth Gardens. The Gorbals Boys sculpture offers a glimpse into Glasgow’s past.
The Gorbals area, south of Glasgow’s city center, has a rich social history. Its name may come from a leper colony. Charitable people left food for the inhabitants after ringing the “gory bells”. The Gorbals attracted many people seeking work over the centuries due to its nearness to the city center.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Gorbals gained notoriety for its razor gangs. The dense population led to slum tenements. Despite this, it remained home to many Glaswegian families and children playing in the streets.
The Gorbals Boys sculpture captures a moment from this bygone era. The Gorbals of today is very different. Many Glaswegians remember the old days fondly. Photojournalist Oscar Marzaroli immortalized these memories. One of his famous photos from the 1960s shows three boys playing with high heels.
Local sculptor Liz Peden recreated this scene. She brought the children back to the street in her artwork. In 2008, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the Gorbals Boys. The sculpture cost about GBP40,000.
Sadly, in March 2023, vandals damaged two of the three statues. After being stolen, the two Gorbals Boys were recovered near a train line. The third statue was temporarily removed for safekeeping. Liz Peden expressed relief that the Gorbals Boys were returned to their community. Fraser Stewart noted that public art celebrates the Gorbals’ character and history.
The plaque at the site reads “Gorbals Boys by Liz Peden”. It also mentions the Gorbals Arts Project and the unveiling date of August 29th, 2008. The Gorbals Boys are accessible to everyone including those using mobility vehicles and wheelchairs. The Gorbals Boys sculpture stands as a reminder of a community’s resilience. It also serves as a symbol of childhood joy amid challenging times.