Clyde Reflections
Clyde Reflections is a visual arts project by Chris Leslie, created in collaboration with Empire Café and their podcast ‘Who Owns the Clyde’. It documented and engaged with a diverse range of individuals and community groups connected to the River Clyde in Glasgow in 2025.
The project featured various components and outcomes, including photographic portraits, oral history audio recordings, multimedia short films, a podcast, riverside tours, and a discussion and screening event that will offer a unique and compelling river documentation.
Whilst grounded in personal narratives, Clyde Reflections also takes a broader view of the river’s historical, heritage, cultural, and environmental importance by examining issues like accessibility, ecological health, and the River Clyde’s future role in Glasgow’s development.
By addressing current challenges and untapped potential, the project aims to spark a conversation about transforming the river into a more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant resource for all Glaswegians.
PODCAST EPISODES
In this first episode of Clyde Reflections, Jude and Louis reflect on what lies below the river’s surface in response to two portraits by photographer and filmmaker Chris Leslie. They hear from archaeologist and filmmaker Lizzie Roberston, exploring sounds at Port Glasgow, and Mark McGeachin of theGlasgow Magnet Fishers in Dalmarnock.
A podcast from The Empire Café in collaboration with Chris Leslie, featuring:
Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer
Lizzie Robertson, Archaeologist and Filmmaker
Mark McGeachin, Glasgow Magnet Fisher
Episode 02: Restoring the Future
In this second episode, Jude, Louise and Chris take a trip down the Clyde on the Waverly paddle steamer.
They reflect on the Clyde’s maritime past, present and future sharing conversations with the team at the Waverley along with reflections from Thomas Breslin of Marine Projects onboard the TS Glenlee and William Graham of the Glasgow Humane Society.
Featuring:
Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer
Iain Quinn, Quartermaster PS Waverley
Paul Semple, General Manager PS Waverley
Thomas Breslin, Ship Repair Technician, Marine Projects Scotland, TS Glenlee
William Graham, Officer of Glasgow Humane Society
Episode 03: Bridging Connections
n this third and final episode of the Clyde Reflections series, Jude and Louise consider the importance of connections and bridges along the River Clyde and beyond. Poet Tawona Sithole recites his specially commissioned poem ‘Run River Run’ on the riverbank, with insights from skipper Alistair Forsyth of the former Renfrew Ferry. Jude and Louise also meet Anna Downie and Rachel Leckie from the Riverside Museum to reflect on the impact of Glasgow’s recently completed Govan-Partick pedestrian and cycle bridge.
Featuring:
Tawona Sithole, Poet and Educator
Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer
Alistair Forsyth, Ferry Skipper
Anna Downie, Learning and Access Curator Riverside Museum
Rachel Leckie, Learning and Access Curator Riverside Museum
