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Paddy's Market as art

A film about Paddy's Market in Glasgow, which is under threat of closure, is to feature in two art exhibitions in Oslo and London starting this weekend.

Artist Silje Eirin Aure, originally from Norway, has made a nine minute film called Four Fur A Fiver, which depicts some of the characters and daily routines of the regular traders at Paddy's Market in Glasgow's Shipbank Lane. And the film is now to be showcased in her home country as well as being part of a design festival in London later this month.

Silje Eirin Aure, 29, chose to come to Glasgow School of Art to study, having spent a good deal of her life travelling the world.

She said: "Glasgow to me is a very diverse city, which I think personally is part of what I really enjoy about it. I felt very well taken care of when I was making the film. It was a gradual process. I had quite a tight deadline, but it was important to me to spend time researching by just observing, chatting and getting to know people. Parts of the media have been quite negative in their portrayal of the market, so you're not necessarily very welcome with a whole lot of camera equipment. However, as word went around as to who I was and what I was doing, I found that most people were up for a chat and also warmed up to the idea of being on camera. Paddy's is like a little community, and the two things that I probably came to appreciate the most was the generosity and I always seemed to have a full cup of tea or coffee, and a biscuit, as well as the great banter.

"I would hope that there would be room for places like Paddy's Market, even in a rejuvenated Glasgow. As I'm not from here, my knowledge of the market is just through what I've read and the time I have spent there making the film. However, many people I have spoken to have memories of Paddy's Market from when they were kids, and it is a place that has meant a lot to a lot of people. And still does."

The first show in Oslo is called Juvenarte in the city's Galleri Ramfjord, and runs until September 7. The second ROAR! is part of the London Design Festival, from September 19-21. September at Bargehouse and the.gallery@oxo on the South Bank.

Paddy's trader Hazel McGeachin said:

“Paddy's is clearly held in great affection all over the world as we have had some very supportive comments on our website http://www.savepaddys.org/". Silje was one of the many foreign students who enjoyed visiting the market and we got to know her very well and really enjoyed the experience of making the film with her. It is great that people in Oslo and London will be able to see Paddy's as it really is.

My hope now is that the powers that be recognise the treasure that they have on their doorstep."

Earlier this year Glasgow City Council threatened the market with closure and it is now negotiating a deal with Network Rail to take over the running of the area. The newly elected Glasgow east MP John Mason recently visited the market and has added his support to the traders, some of whom have connections with the market going back four generations.

Hazel McGeachin added: "I suppose in theory they could do what they want with the place, but we hope they decide to keep Paddy's open... if only for the foreign students and tourists who seem to like us!"

Watch the 9min film online at http://www.vimeo.com/1325942 or Google "Four Fur A Fiver"

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Paddy's Market as art

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