New Cardonald Mural is Soaring Success

Published: 27 July 2023

Pioneering female aviator, Winnie Drinkwater, is flying high in Cardonald with a striking new mural.

The giant interactive artwork on a gable end in Paisley Road West is delighting residents and passers-by. It is the first of three interactive murals which will be created in Cardonald bringing the area's rich history and famous former residents to life. In 1932, while living in Cardonald, Winnie Drinkwater qualified as the first female in the world to hold a commercial pilot's licence and she was also one of the first female aeronautical engineers. The stunning mural, by artist Dan McD from Spraywell Murals, was funded by Glasgow City Council's Neighbourhood Infrastructure Fund and Cardonald Area Partnership. It is at the heart of a community project to enhance the local environment. The mural features a QR code created by South West Arts and Media Project (SWAMP) which links people to a video of actors depicting Winnie's amazing story. The giant interactive artwork on a gable end in Paisley Road West is delighting residents and passers-by. It is the first of three interactive murals which will be created in Cardonald bringing the area's rich history and famous former residents to life. In 1932, while living in Cardonald, Winnie Drinkwater qualified as the first female in the world to hold a commercial pilot's licence and she was also one of the first female aeronautical engineers.

The stunning mural, by artist Dan McD from Spraywell Murals, was funded by Glasgow City Council's Neighbourhood Infrastructure Fund and Cardonald Area Partnership. It is at the heart of a community project to enhance the local environment. The mural features a QR code created by South West Arts and Media Project (SWAMP) which links people to a video of actors depicting Winnie's amazing story.

This is the first phase of the Cardonald Murals project and local people were involved in developing ideas and designs for the mural and finding a suitable location. Local councillors have been heavily involved in the project from the outset and will be involved in community engagement to decide on the themes, designs and locations of a series of future murals.

Stacey Quinn of Turf Youth and Community Project said Winnie's mural was inspirational.

She added: "The mural provides the opportunity to engage in conversations around history, community and art. We are hopeful this piece will inspire young people to be more creative and encourage future participation."

Local residents Mary Ward and May Ballantyne also gave the mural their approval.

Mary said: "It is great to see something on this wall which looks great and enhances our area"

May said "We can see it while attending our groups at the Turf project."