Coatbridge student captures the magic of Glasgow’s Barras market on film
Rebecca Russell was inspired by her great grandparents’ jewellery stall
Last updated 31st May 2023
An Edinburgh Napier University student has based her photography degree project on the Glasgow’s renowned Barras market.
23-year-old Rebecca Russell was inspired by her great grandparents’ jewellery stall at the market and created an eye-catching collection for her exhibition.
The project named ‘The Great Glasgow Bazaar’ has captured stall holders in style inspired by street photographers such as Vivian Maier.
The fourth-year student from North Lanarkshire said she was drawn to the idea by her family roots in the marketplace which is currently on display at the university’s Merchiston campus.
Childhood fascination with the Barras
She said: “I’ve always been fascinated by car boot sales and markets. I went to the Barras when I was young – probably about 10 years old – and photographed it with my first digital camera.
“With this project, I wanted to get to know the communities behind the stalls.
“I felt with the story about my great gran, I instantly had a connection with them. I'd walk in and chat to them – and they were always willing to talk to me.”
The photography student said that it was important for her to get to know the stallholders a bit before taking their photos.
Ms Russell added: “At first, I was extremely anxious, as these people are just trying to make a living and I wasn’t sure how they would respond.
“When I'd tell them what I was doing, they were excited. They'd point across the road and shout 'go get a photo of him too!', stuff like that.
“It's like a family. Not even just the traders, the people who go to spend time there. Everyone there is so close.”
Life at the Barras
Antique photo frames
The photo frames she used for her 2023 Degree Show exhibition came from one of the stalls in the Glasgow market.
She explained: “I saw them there one day and realised they would be great for the project. I wanted to create that vibe of non-uniformity.”
Talking about her love for photography, Ms Russell said she had always had a camera in her hand, starting with an early iPod touch.
She said the project has been the highlight of her time during her four-year university programme.
“I was too nervous to take photography seriously at school, but it’s been great to have the opportunity to do it here,” she added.
School of Arts and Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier University is showcasing the 2023 Degree Show and will run until 8pm on June 1st.