Sailmaker - Context

Learning Intentions To understand the social issues in 1960s Glasgow which feature as themes in Sailmaker

Shipbuilding on the Clyde From 1870 until the start of the First World War, Glasgow produced almost one fifth of the world's ocean-going ships. Many aspects of shipbuilding involved very skilled work (such as sailmaking); it was a source of pride for the working class men of Glasgow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg29Yy1bf4c

Shipbuilding on the Clyde However, by the 1960s (when the play is set), the industry had declined. As it had been Glasgow’s main industry, poverty swiftly followed for many. Housing conditions were poor and social afflictions rife: alcoholism, gambling, sectarianism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx8tMjurtZA

Sectarianism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kMCz5rQsys Sectarianism is religious hatred. The west coast of Scotland has long suffered from it because of the rivalry between Rangers (Protestant) and Celtic (Catholic).

Sailmaker The play is framed as a flashback. It follows the lead character, Alec, from his youth to his early adulthood, against the backdrop of poverty in 1960s Glasgow.