The 96th anniversary of the Glen Cinema disaster was marked this morning at Dunn Square, where people gathered at the bronze memorial sculpture Rattle / Little Mother to remember the 71 children who lost their lives.
The sculpture, created by artists Rachel Lowther and Kerry Stewart, is based on a 1920s children’s celluloid rattle and is intended to be both playful and sacred — a symbol of innocence lost. Its base is engraved with the names of all 71 child victims and sits in the shadow of the former Glen Cinema, where the tragedy occurred.
The service began with a heartfelt address from local resident Tony Lawther, who outlined the background to the Glen Cinema disaster and reflected on its lasting impact on the community. He also acknowledged the added poignancy of this year’s commemoration following the recent passing of Emily Brown, aged 101 and three quarters, the last known survivor of the disaster.
This was followed by a poem read by local author Fred McNeil, before actor Tom Urie delivered a moving performance of Hush Now (Happy New Year).
Floral tributes were then laid at the memorial by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron and members of the Emily Brown family, bringing the commemorations to a quiet and reflective close.
Paisley Photographs 