Published on 12 August 2025
3 minutes read
A stunning exhibition of hundreds of colourful handknitted and crocheted blankets described as “symbols of love” are on display at a former fish market in Glasgow.
Hundreds of visitors to The Briggate in the Merchant City have been mesmerised by the visual spectacle laid out on the floor, an expression of concern and compassion for some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Hundreds of visitors to The Briggate in the Merchant City have been stunned by the visual spectacle laid out on the floor, an expression of concern and compassion for some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Rev Peter Gardner, the Pioneer Minister for the Visual Arts in Glasgow, assembled the ‘Glasgow Close Knit’ exhibition, which opened in the 1873 hall yesterday (Mon) and runs until 14 August.
The Glasgow Close Knit Project was launched by Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Glasgow and homelessness charity the Lodging House Mission last year as part of the Glasgow 850 commemorations, which mark the eight-and-a-half centuries since the city was awarded burgh status.
The blankets will be given to the Lodging House Mission in December, which will distribute them to people in temporary accommodation who are struggling to pay their heating bills and keep warm.
Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren attended the exhibition launch yesterday and brought along her own work for the blanket collection.
“The Glasgow Close Knit exhibition is a beautiful testament to the compassion and creativity of our communities,” she said.
“I was honoured not only to attend the launch, but also to contribute several blankets myself.
“Crafting the blankets allows you the time for reflection on the concept behind this project and how it resonates with the warmth and resilience that defines our city.
“It’s moving to see such artistry used not only to celebrate Glasgow’s 850th anniversary, but also to offer the blankets as a comfort to those who need and will use them.”
L-R – Rev Janet Mathieson, Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren and Rev George Mackay.
The idea for the project came from Rev Jan Mathieson, the immediate past Moderator of the Presbytery of Glasgow.
“We were delighted that the Lord Provost and some of the folks from the City Chambers came to the exhibition and donated blankets,” said the minister.
“We’ve been equally delighted by all the blankets that have been donated by church, community and craft groups through the city and beyond.
“We think it is a good and fitting way of marking Glasgow 850 and building on the values of care and concern and love that Glasgow has always been known for.
“These blankets are beautiful pieces of art are also going to be symbols of that love, given out to people most in need in the winter time.”
Ms Mathieson said the reception to the exhibition has been very good and more than 200 people have visited it so far from across the city and as far away as continental Europe and the USA.
“Everybody has been really impressed by the installation, which looks like a huge blanket made up of 430 different blankets, all laid flat, on paper, on the floor,” she added.
“Some are laid around the edges of the main exhibition space as we’re still receiving blankets and we know that there are a lot of blankets still to come in.”
L-R Rev Peter Gardner, Pioneer Minister to the visual arts in Glasgow, June MacLeod, manager of Lodging House Mission, Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, Rev George Mackay, Moderator of the Presbytery of Glasgow and Rev Janet Mathieson, former Moderator of the Presbytery of Glasgow.
Ms Mathieson said the blankets represent the “diversity and variety” of the people who made them.
“We were conscious going into this project that a lot of people would say ‘I can’t do anything, I just knit or I just crochet’ as if what they did didn’t matter,” she explained.
“But when we see all of the blankets together in a beautiful display, it plainly shows that it does matter and is art of high quality.
“And because they will be given out as symbols of compassion and love to people most in need, some of whom sadly think they don’t matter, makes it even more special.”
Cheers your heart
Mr Gardner, who works with his wife Heidi as Gardner & Gardner, remarked: “Aren’t people amazing?
“This exhibition is an expression of care, It’s like opening your curtains on a snowy day, it cheers your heart.
“It’s great to think that each of these will go to people who need them.
“Thanks go to every single person who made one or more blankets.”
Church of Scotland Deacon Claire Herbert DCS, chaplain to the Lodging House Mission, is involved in the project.
The Glasgow Close Knit project has been recognised in the House of Commons in London and Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
The blankets will next be exhibited in Kelvin West Church on University Avenue in the west-end of Glasgow from 11 September.
They will be displayed in a different way to enable people to appreciate the artistry and skill of the makers.