Remember Mary Barbour is a campaign to create a lasting memorial to one of Glasgow’s greatest heroes. Mary (1875-1938) was a Scottish political activist who is particularly remembered for her role leading the Rent Strikes of 1915. Unscrupulous landlords thought they could take of advantage of thousands of workers flocking to Glasgow to jobs in the shipyards and munitions factories during WW1. Also, as many men were away fighting or in German prisoner of war camps, the landlords thought the women would be a soft touch. Step in Mrs Barbour and her Army! Read more on the campaign’s page but, suffice it to say, the landlords didn’t get away with it and Parliament passed the Rent Restriction Act, the first of its kind in Europe, setting rents for the duration of the war and for six months afterwards at pre-war levels.
It would be wonderful to have a statue of Mary in Govan, her home, in time for the centenary of the Rent Strikes next year. The campaign has so far raised enough money to commission maquettes (small-scale models) of five shortlisted designs. These were on display at the People’s Palace yesterday, and I went to have a look. Hover over the gallery to see the captions with the names of the sculptors.
Opinions were being collected – which would you have favoured? I like the one of Mary vigorously brandishing a placard, or the one with her hand in the air and her army following behind. They both have a sense of movement and determination. However, any of them would be an asset to a city which, as yet, has only three statues of women.
If you’re in Glasgow, or have Glasgow connections, keep an eye on the campaign’s website for news of more viewings. There is also a page on JustGiving if you wish to donate.
Adventures of a Retired Librarian 
Hi Anabel – I can’t remember Mary Barbour – but you’ve brought her to life and I like the Mark Longworth one – where she’s brandishing her placard … “The Will of the People is Law” – what a great story and lady … she deserves to be remembered.
I am/will be writing on Emily Hobhouse … am writing about a tour I did with her great niece … similarish era – Mary’s work was obviously so important for those looking for accommodation in those really difficult times of the First World War …
(Emily was more Boer War, then WW1 and suffragettes, then Save the Children Fund) .. but Mary definitely deserves to be remembered and I hope she gets her memorial … cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary – I’m following your trip with interest.
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That brilliant bronze with the placard and the flying coat gets my vote hands down! So full of life and character. I hope she will take pride of place in Govan before too long.
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Thanks Lynne! My thoughts exactly.
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