Pastel on paper, 1958
David Carr (1905-1986) and Stuart Matthew (1912-1996)
RCAHMS: RIAS Collection
This drawing depicts one of the many new housing schemes that sprang up over Clydebank during the 1950s. The development is bright and modern, but also still focused on notions of community with its communal drying area and playground.
Clydebank had been a key target for Luftwaffe bombers during the Second World War, due to the area’s shipyards and munitions factories. The town suffered an intensive bombing attack over two days during March 1941, which left many people dead or injured. Many Clydebank residents were also made homeless, with 4,000 homes completely destroyed and many more damaged.
After the war, Clydebank had to rebuild itself. A redevelopment plan was prepared to oversee the building of new housing and local facilities. Architects were challenged to design homes, such as these flats designed by Carr and Matthew, that would help once again to recreate Clydebank’s sense of community.