Glasgow’s Iconic M&S Store Breathes New Life Through Art

Lewis McGuireAugust 11, 20231 Mins read797 Views

A large, dimly lit empty interior space with scattered furniture and a few decorations. In a circular inset image, two people are seen painting a large canvas in the same space, suggesting the preparation or renovation of the area in Glasgow.

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.

A person stands in front of two large abstract black and white paintings displayed on a white wall, reminiscent of Glasgow's contemporary art scene. Dressed in a white outfit and black shoes, they cross their arms and look at the camera. The left painting features wavy lines, while the right has angular zigzags.

Four people in colorful outfits stand on an indoor stairway in Glasgow. One person on the left holds a large cut-out with pink shapes, another stands on the steps in green, the third wears an artistic apron, and the fourth person holds a circular object. An escalator is in the background.

Street view of a closed retail building with a stone facade and tall windows in Glasgow. Pedestrians are walking past, and trees line the sidewalk. Advertising posters are displayed in the windows, and the sign for "M&S" is partially visible.

Two people engage in conversation near a pair of escalators in a modern, well-lit indoor setting in Glasgow. One person is dressed casually, while the other wears a colorful outfit. A signboard with a red semicircle design is in the foreground.

A person with short reddish-brown hair and glasses stands in front of a vibrant, multicolored abstract background reminiscent of the artistic scene in Glasgow. They are wearing a white collared shirt under a colorful, patterned sleeveless top and smiling at the camera.

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.

A large room with a high ceiling, likely a workshop or craft area in Glasgow. The foreground features a black desk with a sewing machine, various supplies, and decorations. The background shows scattered materials, partially constructed items, and a person walking.

A large, dimly lit interior space with structural columns and an open floor plan. Some construction materials and equipment are scattered around, suggesting an ongoing renovation or setup in Glasgow. Daylight filters in through large windows in the background.

Four artists pose in a spacious, well-lit room in Glasgow. From left to right: a man holding a large ring, a woman holding abstract art, another woman in paint-splattered attire, and a person with short hair holding knitting supplies. The background features other art pieces and supplies.

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.