A once-bustling department store in Glasgow’s city center is now buzzing with creativity and artistic flair. The iconic Marks & Spencer outlet on Sauchiehall Street, which stood vacant for a while, has become a haven for artists.
Over 80 talented individuals, including renowned names like Beth Shapeero, Fibi Cowley, Nicola Atkinson, and Pablo Llopis, have set up their studios within the store’s expansive floors and office spaces. This transformation is part of an innovative initiative that breathes life into empty structures.
Art enthusiasts and the general public are in for a treat! They can witness this artistic metamorphosis firsthand during the upcoming Doors Open Day weekend. A special exhibit, whimsically named “Please Pay for your Shopping Before Entering the Toilet,” is scheduled from September 15 to 17.
This artistic renaissance has been facilitated by the charitable organization, Outer Spaces. Since its inception in January 2023, Outer Spaces has been on a mission: to bridge the gap between artists seeking affordable studio spaces and vacant buildings awaiting new purpose.
The Marks & Spencer store has been a staple on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street since 1935. However, it shut its doors for the last time in April 2022. There are plans in the pipeline by Fusion Students to repurpose the space into 634 student residences, marking a £76 million makeover.
For a deeper dive into the exhibit and this artistic transformation, click here.
