Recorded Lectures

The archaeology of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival

Presented by Dr Kenny Brophy BSc FSAScot

The 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival was a seminal event in the modern re-invention of the city. In this lecture, Kenny considers how archaeology (especially Roman) was represented at the Festival, including the unique reconstruction of an Antonine Wall gatehouse. He’ll also discuss the results of his own fieldwork and excavations (2022-2024) across what remains of the Festival site. The case will be made that archaeology is a powerful tool to explore recent events, engage the public, and unlock memories.

Dr Kenny Brophy is a Senior Lecturer in archaeology at the University of Glasgow with 30 years’ experience of research and fieldwork into Scotland’s Neolithic and 20th century archaeology. This includes being co-director of the Strathearn Environs and Royal Forteviot (SERF) Project since 2006. His current research interests include the contemporary archaeology of prehistory, Glasgow’s archaeology, and exploring the social benefits of archaeology.