Red Clydeside: A history of the labour movement in Glasgow 1910-1932

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William Gallacher and fellow workers at Albion Motor Company, 1911

Group photograph of workers at Albion Motor Works, Scotstoun, in 1911, with William Gallacher pictured second from right in second top row. Gallacher was originally a member of the temperance movement and a lecturer on temperance, often holding open-air debates on Glasgow Green between 1908 and 1910.

Gallacher became influenced by 'The Industrial Workers of the World' and their espousal of syndicalist ideals whilst in the United States in 1911. On his return Gallacher became involved in the trade union movement and politically active in the British Socialist Party.

Gallacher would go on to become one the leaders of the Clyde Workers' Committee during the period 1914-1919 and represented West Fife as Communist MP from 1935-1950.

Source: Gallacher Memorial Library, Glasgow Caledonian University Special Collections and Archives