Govanhill:

an extraordinary place.

An Ordinary Place is following up the gentle chaos of 'Washed Up!' with something rather different.

Govanhill in Glasgow - an area of less than half a square mile that is home to a remarkably diverse population, with over eighty different languages spoken in the locality - has been under the gaze of photographer Simon Murphy since the turn of the century. His efforts, from 2016 onwards, to document the people of Govanhill in photographs, resulted in a full exhibition at Street Level Photoworks in 2023 and a book (also called Govanhill) plus major features in the British Journal of Photography and Black & White Photography magazine, and awards from the Portrait of Britain, Portrait of Humanity, and the Bartur Photography Awards.

Following a cheeky suggestion from An Ordinary Place's resident Del Boy, we are delighted to have secured on loan ten framed prints from Simon's original exhibition at Street Level, for display in our very own Front Room gallery on Ocean Drive in Leith. Opening formally next Wednesday 19th August, Govanhill: An Extraordinary Place will afford photography-loving locals, tourists and festival-goers an opportunity to see some iconic samples of Simon's work. Entrance is free, and most excitingly, all these original framed exhibition prints on display are for sale!

The gallery will be open Weds-Fri (11 am to 6:30 pm) Sat (11 am to 5 pm) and Sun (1 to 5 pm) from 19th to 30th August and then again from 10th to 20th September.

As always, come along, bring a friend, and point at something iconic on a wall..

Gallery & Exhibitions

Seamus. © Simon Murphy