Celebrating Ten Years of 21 Revolutions: Revisiting the 21 Revolutions Podcasts

This year we’re continuing to celebrate Three Decades of Changing Minds. This means delving into the Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL) archive, using the materials we find to stimulate memories and create space for looking at the present and future: looking back to move forward. 

As we continue to do the work of looking back to move forward in our 31st year, we are celebrating 10 years since our 21 Revolutions exhibition and publication launched, showcasing the work of 21 writers and 21 artists commissioned to produce exciting new stories, essays and works of art inspired by the GWL collections.

Ten years ago, to mark Glasgow Women’s Library’s 21st Birthday in 2012, the Library commissioned 21 artists and 21 writers to each create new works inspired by our diverse and remarkable collections. Some of the most significant names in Scottish art and literature including Turner Prize nominees and lauded authors responded with new texts and artworks, from Muriel Gray to A.L Kennedy, Claire Barclay to Sam Ainsley.

The project resulted in 41 newly commissioned works, exhibitions, readings, a book and the Library being awarded the Arts & Business Scotland ‘Enterprising Museum of the Year’ Award 2013 for this work.

The writers, including Jackie Kay, A L Kennedy, Denise Mina and Leela Soma, each agreed to read their specially commissioned stories and poems aloud to be made freely available as podcasts. These were originally released in 2012.

To celebrate 10 years since this landmark project, we are revisiting these podcasts and we have invited Level 4 Illustration students from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) in Dundee to create a series of engaging visuals to accompany and illustrate them.

We are delighted to share these beautiful, brilliant and engaging illustrated podcasts here with you. So, pop the kettle on, sit back and enjoy!

Alison Miller reads her work, An Innocuous Tale of Love and Romance and talks about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by James Mathie during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Anne Donovan reads her 21 Revolutions piece, Lassie wi a Yella Coatie, and talks about her inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Megan Hunter during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Laura Marney reads her story, ‘Mango’, and talks about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Craig Shearon during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Donna Moore reads her work, ‘The Mouse’s Umbrella’ and talks about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Lauren Boyle during her 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Leela Soma reads her story, Boxed In, and talks about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Beth Fuller & Lauren Henderson during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Here, Margaret Elphinstone reads her work, We Thought We Would Change the World, and talks about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Ceidyn Berry & Maddie Talbert during their final year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design

Download the transcript here.

Muriel Gray reads her story, ‘Guidance’, and talks about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Eve Murphy Mariott during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

A L Kennedy reads her 21 Revolutions piece, ‘Stitches’ and talks about her inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Morven Graham during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Vicki Feaver reads her 21 Revolutions piece, ‘Time-Piece’, and talks about her inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Maisie Mackenzie during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Zoe Strachan and Louise Welsh read a joint collaboration, ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’, and they talk about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Ellen Forbes and Giorgos Asvestas during their 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.

Zoe Wicomb reads her work, ‘Writing Lesson’ and talks about the inspiration behind the work. This podcast has been illustrated by Jenny Nutbourne during her 4th year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Download the transcript here.