Owen Black has created a photozine featuring images of Kelburn Terrace before demolition work began earlier this year.
The 28-year-old set out to capture the buildings as part of a personal project to grow his confidence, but opted to print books after hearing tales of the Kelburn Terrace community.
While working on the project, Owen was touched to learn that the family of his partner, Emily MacLaughlan, lived at number 32.
River Clyde Homes first confirmed plans to demolish the three tenement blocks in 2022 after a lack of demand left around 100 flats standing empty.
Many of the properties had lain vacant for years, with the housing association concluding that demolition was the best long-term option for the site.
Owen’s zine also features snippets of poetry inspired by the history of Kelburn Terrace.
Owen Black’s book documents the final days of Kelburn Terrace before its demolition (Image: George Munro)
He told the Telegraph: “I found out all about the history of it and how there used to be an orchard there.
“It seemed the perfect time to do this little project. It’s very niche, but it’s something for people to remember it by.
“A lot of people have shared their happy memories of the place. It’s been really great to see the support for it and the memories it’s brought up for people.
“I wish I got more of it, but time’s up now and it’s good to have these photos.”
(Image: Owen Black)
Owen moved to Scotland from Newcastle in 2023 to study photography at Glasgow Kelvin College.
He now lives in Greenock with Emily and is in the process of setting up a creative space for artists in Paisley.
Copies of the photozine can be ordered at mintcreative.live/
Mint Creative, located in Paisley Shopping Centre, is a shared studio space which he hopes can become a home for exhibitions, workshops and other creative events.
Owen said he was inspired by the likes of RIG Arts and other arts groups offering opportunities in Inverclyde.
(Image: Owen Black)
He said: “A lot of people are keen to get involved in art. That’s kind of why I wanted to set up my space, because it can be so unaffordable sometimes.
“I’d love to inspire people to get into photography sooner than I did. I was 24 or 25, and it completely changed my life.
“I wasn’t very social and I was just very nervous. Photography is the best thing I’ve ever done, so if I can pass that on to even just a few people, I’ll be happy.”
Owen’s photozine is available to purchase for £10 with free shipping from the Mint Creative website.
The proceeds support the development of the studio, as well as the organisation of an exhibition later in the year.
Owen also plans to donate copies to the Watt Institution and libraries in Inverclyde.
He added: “It’s about giving people memories – and I think art should be for all.