Threads of Time
Words by Dhyani Crawford
– 4 min read
A new community exhibition opened its doors in Clydebank’s Town Hall at the start of 2026.
Threads of Time brought together work created by local groups from across Clydebank.
Led by Community Links Scotland and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund the exhibition shared stories shaped by people with deep roots in the town.
It explored Clydebank’s past and present side by side, showing how local industry shaped daily life, how the Blitz changed the town, how people rebuilt through strength and solidarity and the reality of the community behind it all.
Textile prints, installations, graphics, and short films shared these stories in ways people could connect with in one large exhibition.
Local groups sat at the heart of the project.
Participants included Y Sort It youth organisation, the Clydebank Asbestos Group, Kilbowie St Andrews Church Guild, and Mindful Moments Healthy Pathways.
Each group worked alongside award-winning textile artist Chloe Patience, taking time to talk, research, and reflect on which stories mattered to them and how they should be shared.
Groups focused on different aspects of the project, working separately before coming together for the final exhibition, where the full range of voices and experiences could be seen together.
Y Sort It created comic storybooks sharing stories of Clydebank’s past, many of which had been passed down through families by parents and grandparents.
Gillian Kirkwood from Y Sort It said: “It was good to see the young people getting really involved and coming up with all their different ideas.
“The challenge was how we were going to pull it all together into one comic book. I think they’ve done a really good job. I’m just really proud.”
Other groups worked with textiles, embroidery, and fabric, with pieces lovingly created through talking together about their own memories. Working with textiles gave time to talk, remember, and share personal stories.
A key moment of the exhibition was the launch of the ‘Bankie Spirit’ fabric.
The design brought together memories, voices, and symbols from across Clydebank, which reflect pride, resilience, and shared identity shaped directly by local people.
The symbols included famous landmarks such as the Titan Crane and the Singer Clock.
The fabric appeared across the exhibition in everyday items such as bags, cushions, scarves, and even a chair!
Three themes ran through the exhibition and helped make sense of the stories on display.
Industry looked at working life in Clydebank and the role heavy manufacturing played in shaping the town.
The Blitz focused on loss, survival, and remembrance, and how those experiences are still remembered locally.
Community reflected everyday connection and care, showing how people have supported one another and how that has created a unique community spirit.
Many of the people involved felt the project highlighted the strength of community spirit in Clydebank and how it continues to exist today.
Community Links’ Mindful Moments also included a genealogy project, allowing participants to research family histories and personal links to the town, adding another layer of meaning to the work on display.
Short written pieces and film reels added further depth.
One participant spoke about how emotional the process had been, describing how revisiting memories of Clydebank’s past brought a sense of sadness when comparing Clydebank in its bustling heyday to present time.
Another commented: “Seeing all the people who have come here today it feels like we are getting that community spirit back.”
The town has seen many changes but like a boxer on the ropes it always fights on.
For many visitors, Threads of Time highlighted the contrast between Clydebank’s past and present. It brought back memories of a busier town while also showing what it has endured.
The exhibition centred real experiences, family stories, and shared history, leaving people talking about where Clydebank has come from and what still holds the community together today. Top of Form
Although the Threads of Time exhibition has ended, there's another opportunity to see materials created during Clydesider’s Our Stories Heritage Festival. And what's more you can even make your own item using the iconic ‘Bankie Spirit’ fabric!
Community Links are running workshops on Wednesday May 6, 13 & 20 from 10.30am – 12.30pm, and Tuesday May 12 & 19 at 2pm - 4pm.
Why not have a go at making your own cushion cover or tote bag, and check out this amazing exhibition celebrating Clydebank's heritage. Check out our Festival programme from page 36 for more details. Contact Community Links at [email protected] or 0141 952 4382 to book a place.
