AN ICONIC picture by one of Glasgow's most famous photographers has been recreated as a permanent piece of street art.
AN ICONIC picture by one of Glasgow's most famous photographers has been recreated as a permanent piece of street art.
Oscar Marzaroli's vibrant black and white picture, which shows three wee boys from the Gorbals playing in their mothers' high-heeled shoes, was translated into sculpture by city artist Liz Peden.
And, thanks to the artwork, three more Gorbals youngsters will become part of Glasgow's visual history and part of the city's newest tourist attraction.
Joe Ridge, 11, and 12-year-olds Lee Barton and Nicky Giblin, who has now moved away from the area, first modelled for the £40,000 bronze and chrome sculptures, called Gorbals Boys, three years ago while pupils at St Francis Primary, Gorbals.
The sculptures were officially unveiled today by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The statues, sited at the Gorbals' Cumberland Street at Queen Elizabeth Gardens, are similar to the Marzaroli snap in both form and spirit, though updated by years.
And the boys are delighted to have made a permanent mark on their community.
Lee, a first year pupil at nearby Holyrood high school, said: "It's brilliant that people in the community can walk past statues in the street and know they are of us."
Joe, also at Holyrood, said: "It's great to see them finished and ready for everyone to see.
Lee's mum, Cathy Smith, said: "I'm so proud to see a statue of my child in the street.
"That kind of thing is usually for famous people but every day I'll be able to walk down the street and see my wee boy."
According to the artist, the works are also about celebrating the transformation of the Gorbals.
Artist Liz, 52, who has lived in the area all her life and has created works around Glasgow, said: "This is such a proud day for myself and the community.
"To see the piece right in the heart of the community depict- ing local children is amazing.
"When I saw the original photo I loved it as it shows the innocence of childhood.
"Normally boys wouldn't be seen dead in high heels, but the kids pictured are so curious, and that's what inspired me."
She added: "I've already seen lots of people smile when they pass the new sculptures.
"That's what public art is all about, giving everybody the chance to see and touch it and, of course, brightening up the landscape, which the boys certainly do."
Marzaroli's original picture was one of many taken during the 1950s and 60s depicting tenement children.
Many of his most famous shots were taken in the slum-filled Gorbals.
His work, which is gritty, touching, and often humorous, was popularised during the 1980s after a retrospective exhibition - and after appearing on the record sleeves of Glasgow- based bands such as Deacon Blue, Texas and Wet Wet Wet.
Earlier this year a new book, Slate, Sea and Sky, introduced his pictures to a new audience, while the annual Annan lecture at the city's Mitchell Library was devoted to his work.
Marzaroli died in 1988 aged 55.
His widow Anne, 72, of Garrowhill, Glasgow, said he would have been proud of the new works and she added: "I'm absolutely delighted with Liz's sculptures, and I'm sure Oscar would have loved them."
