Briggait born again
July 24, 2010 by localnews
by Lynsay Keough, photos Stuart Maxwell
Jennifer Paterson shows off her acrobatic skills
One of the most familiar features on the Glasgow skyline reopened its doors in July. As if beaming with pride, sunlight flooded into the newly restored Briggait on launch day.
The beautiful, A-listed, former fishmarket has been lovingly transformed and now houses more than 80 artists and art organisations. It hosted several Merchant City Festival events.
Members of the public will be able to access the stunning 1873 courtyard on a permanent basis from this month.
The redevelopment has taken two years and £6.5 million to complete. Funding came from various sources including Glasgow City Council, Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Mickel fund and ethical lenders, Tridos Bank.
David Cook, Chief Executive of WASPS Studios, the Arts charity responsible for the redevelopment, is delighted with the uptake of the new studio facilities. He said: ‘We have been able to offer people on our waiting list the new studios. Some artists have come over from King Street. The light and energy in the Briggait is amazing.’
Attending the launch was Jennifer Paterson, one half of “Spokes”, a aerial duo skilled in acrobatic displays with lengths of silk.
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