David Levene 

Disused Govanhill baths become art venue – in pictures

Govanhill baths in Glasgow are the last surviving example of Edwardian public bathhouses in the city and were finally closed to the public in 2001
  
  


Love, an installation piece made up of inflatable artworks in the Govanhill Baths, Glasgow.
Love, an installation of inflatable artworks by artists Anthea Hamilton and Nicholas Byrne, is housed in Govanhill baths as part of the art festival Glasgow International, which runs from Friday to 21 April Photograph: David Levene
The Gents Hot Baths area which was in full use by locals until 2001. The room contains around 50 cubicles, each with its own bath. Many of the properties in the local area were constructed without showers or baths.
Paint peels off the ceiling in the gents' hot baths room, which was used by locals until the baths closed to the public in 2001 Photograph: David Levene
The Gents' Hot Baths has around 50 cubicles, each with its own bath.
The gents' hot baths contains 50 cubicles, each with its own bath. Many of the properties in the local area had no shower or baths when the facility opened in 1914 Photograph: David Levene
The Gents' hot baths.
A decayed number in the gents' hot baths. Photograph: David Levene
The filtration room.
The filtration room Photograph: David Levene
Sign for the pool in Govanhill baths.
A sign for the swimming pool Photograph: David Levene
The ladies' pool, disused.
The ladies' pool, in disuse Photograph: David Levene
The space has recently been used as a skate park, and has held music events. The pool was used as a mortuary during the second world war.
The pool was used as a mortuary during the second world war Photograph: David Levene
The ladies' pool.
Cubicles on the edge of the ladies' pool Photograph: David Levene
The Strathclyde Theatre Group has recently taken over part of the building for its own use. Props and costumes are stored in a space behind the main pool and the Company has run a variety of performances inside the main pool space.
The Strathclyde Theatre Group has recently taken over part of the building. Props and costumes are stored in a space behind the main pool and the company has staged a variety of performances inside the main pool space Photograph: David Levene
There has been a determined campaign led by locals and activists in order to save and revive the baths.
A few weeks ago the toddler pool was reopened for the first time since 2001. Campaign organisers are hopeful that the small pool will be back in full operation this year Photograph: David Levene
For forty years, children queuing to enter the baths would use coins to make indentations in the sandstone walls and columns near the front door.
For years, children queuing to enter the baths would use coins to make indentations in the sandstone walls and columns near the front door Photograph: David Levene
 

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