Glasgow Women's Library: 27 Years of Changing Minds
A brief history of the UK's only Accredited Museum dedicated to women's lives, histories and achievements.
Women in Profile Programme (20th Century) by Women in ProfileGlasgow Women's Library
Women in Profile was set up in 1987 with the aim of ensuring the representation of women's culture during Glasgow's year as the European City of Culture in 1990.
GWL in Garnethill, 1991 (20th Century)Glasgow Women's Library
From Women in Profile, Glasgow Women's Library was born. On 21st September 1991, GWL opens its doors for the first time in a small shop front in Garnethill.
Interior of GWL's first premises in Garnethill (20th Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
This image shows the interior of the GWL premises in Garnethill.
I want my Vote! (20th Century)Glasgow Women's Library
The GWL collections grew through the sheer generosity of users, members and supporters. All the objects in the GWL Collections are donated, making them unique, special and diverse. This anti-suffrage postcard was created circa 1908 and was donated to GWL by a visitor.
Interior of GWL's premises in Trongate (20th Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
GWL makes its first move in 1994, relocating to 109 Trongate in Glasgow city centre to accommodate increased collections, learning activities and user numbers.
Mug produced by the London-based Lesbian Archive and Information Centre (20th Century) by Lesbian Archive and Information CentreGlasgow Women's Library
As well as growing our collections from donations by individuals, the GWL collections have also grown with the relocation of entire collections to our stores.
This mug was produced by the London-based Lesbian Archive and Information Centre to raise funds for the organisation. The entire LAIC Collection relocated to GWL in 1995.
GWL Newsletter from 1996 (20th Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
In 1996, GWL starts to produce a quarterly newsletter.
GWL Newsletter from 1997 (20th Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
Report on Poverty and Social Exclusion of Lesbians and Gay Men in Glasgow from 1999 (20th Century) by Glasgow Women's Library and Glasgow City CouncilGlasgow Women's Library
In 1999, GWL is commissioned by Glasgow City Council to produce a report looking at 'Poverty and Social Exclusion of Lesbians and Gay Men in Glasgow.'
GWL's first Lifelong Learning programme (21st Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
In 2001, GWL's innovative Lifelong Learning project receives funding for the first time, enabling the organisation to provide a resourced, expanded range of learning opportunities, events, courses and activities for women.
Commemorative 50p Coin (21st Century) by The Royal MintGlasgow Women's Library
Donations to the GWL collections continue to increase. This coin was produced in 2003 to commemorate the foundation of the Women's Social and Political Union in 1903.
Interior of GWL's temporary premises at 81 Parnie Street (21st Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
In 2006, GWL relocates to temporary premises at 81 Parnie Street. The collection is put into storage, as can be seen in this digital image.
A Women on the Shelf block (21st Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
IN 2008, GWL launches the 'Women on the Shelf' fundraising initiative, which enables individuals and organisations to sponsor a Library section, shelf or book and dedicate it to a woman of their choice.
Interior of GWL's first premises in Garnethill (20th Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
In 2010, GWL achieves full accreditation as a Museum by the Museums Libraries Archives Council.
It's a long way from the small shop front in which the organisation began...
Tap to explore
In 2010, GWL move to 15 Berkeley Street, the former Anderston Library space in the Mitchell Library.
Photograph of GWL's permanent home on Landressy Street, Bridgeton. (21st Century) by Glasgow Women's LibraryGlasgow Women's Library
In 2013, GWL finally relocates to a permanent home in Landressy Street, Bridgeton.
Girl Annual Number Nine (20th Century)Glasgow Women's Library
GWL continues to receive donations of collection items that document the lives, histories and achievements of women.
Women in Profile Programme (20th Century) by Women in ProfileGlasgow Women's Library
In May 2018, it is announced that GWL is a finalist for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018.
