1938 Empire Exhibition Brought Back to Life

One of the most fondly remembered events in Glasgow’s history has been brought back to life at House for an Art Lover, with the launch of a landmark exhibition, dedicated to the world famous 1938 Empire Exhibition.

An intricate 3D digital reconstruction of the innovative Empire Exhibition has been created by the Digital Design Studio, a department of The Glasgow School of Art, using funding from the Arts & Humanities Research Council. This state-of-the-art visualisation provides a virtual tour of the Exhibition as well as an important new resource for those who wish to conduct their own research into the Exhibition.

The 1938 Empire Exhibition, held in Bellahouston Park, was a stunning display of architectural achievement and a reflection of the life and culture of Glasgow, the UK and the Commonwealth.  It incorporated around 80 innovative buildings, including the world famous ‘Tait’s Tower’ and attracted over 12.5million people to Bellahouston over its six months run.

The superb reconstruction and extensive archive material is available to view on a number of computer terminals in the Interpretation Centre in House for an Art Lover’s Mackintosh Suite.  A website has also been created which includes virtual buildings, interviews with people who visited the 1938 event, black and white films, and a large selection of photos.

David J Leslie, Chairman of House for an Art Lover, said: “We are very proud to be involved in recreating this incredible part of Glasgow’s story.  It is particularly appropriate to be launching the project just after the city’s success in the Commonwealth bid. This exciting exhibition will enhance the experience for our visitors while making a very significant statement in architectural research.”

Ian Johnston, Deputy Director of the Digital Design Studio at Glasgow School of Art and Director of House for an Art Lover, said: “This has been a great opportunity to acknowledge one of Glasgow’s most significant historic achievements. We are amazed and delighted at the interest this project has generated.  The participation of many of those who attended the Exhibition in 1938 has been invaluable and further emphasises the importance of this major research project”

Visit www.empireexhibition1938.co.uk  to see this stunning recreation.