A STATUE to rent strike leader Mary Barbour will be a “beacon of inspiration” for women after its unveiling next month, it is claimed.
Supporters will unveil the memorial on March 8 – International Women’s Day – in honour of Barbour’s legacy.
Born in Renfrewshire weaving village Kilbarchan, she later moved to Govan, now part of Glasgow, where she led residents in opposing increased rents by private landlords.
The 1915 Rent Strikes took place three years after Govan’s incorporation into Glasgow and spread to other districts. Thousands became involved and activists – known as Mary Barbour’s Army – faced down attempted evictions.
The movement succeeded in a law change with the passing of the Rents and Mortgage Interest Restriction Act before the year was out.
Barbour also formed the Women’s Peace Crusade and was one of the first women elected to Glasgow City Council, becoming a baillie and aiding the creation of the city’s first family planning centre.
The statue, by sculptor Andrew Brown, has been years in the making, with funds raised through a public drive.
Maria Fyfe, chair of the Remember Mary Barbour Association (RMBA), said: “We are absolutely thrilled that we have met our fundraising targets and that artist Andrew Brown has completed the commissioned work.
“The RMBA has been campaigning to raise funds for a statue of Mary Barbour to recognise her tremendous contribution to Govan, Glasgow and beyond.
“We hope the legacy of the statue will re-connect the people of Govan with the tremendous social history and heritage and be a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere.”
Govan councillor John Kane, treasurer of the RMBA, added: “This will be an historic day
for Govan in recognising Mary for her achievements.”
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