Old House, Nos.174-6-8 Main Street, Gorbals 1900

David Young Cameron created "Old House, Nos.174-6-8 Main Street, Gorbals" as an etching, a medium which allowed for detailed and precise lines. Cameron was active during a period of significant social change, particularly in urban environments. This work captures a slice of life in the Gorbals, a district in Glasgow known for its dense population and working-class residents. The print depicts a row of buildings with businesses on the ground floor, including a blacksmith and an oyster bar. The presence of women on the street provides a glimpse into the gendered aspects of public life during this time. The architecture itself speaks to the area's history and the conditions in which many lived and worked. What is particularly striking is the starkness of the scene, capturing the moodiness of urban life. It invites us to reflect on the history of urban spaces and the lives of those who inhabited them.