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Dr Ailsa Boyd

@ailsaboyd.bsky.social
941 followers 659 following 154 posts

Victorian art history, design, literature, house history, Scottish heritage #retrofirst

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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Gregory Rankine and Daniela Ironside's exhibition of new painting, drawing and sculpture at The Glasgow Art Club is now open.
gregoryrankine.wordpress.com
NOW OPEN: ‘Rubbing Spittle Into Cuts’
Gregory Rankine and Daniela Ironside's exhibition of new painting, drawing and sculpture at The Glasgow Art Club is now open.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
My very talented husband @gregoryrankineartist is having an exhibition: ‘Rubbing Spittle into Cuts’: An Exhibition of Paintings & Sculpture by Gregory Rankine & Daniela Ironside. Glasgow Art Club, 19 Sept - 17 Oct. Click on the link for more info.
gregoryrankine.wordpress.com
‘Rubbing Spittle into Cuts’: An Exhibition of Paintings & Sculpture by Gregory Rankine & Daniela Ironside
New paintings, drawings and sculpture by Gregory Rankine and Daniela Ironside exploring themes of vulnerability, memory, abrasion, healing and repair.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
‘Rubbing Spittle into Cuts’: An Exhibition of Paintings & Sculpture by Daniela Ironside & Gregory Rankine at the Glasgow Art Club 19 Sept - 17 Oct
gregoryrankine.wordpress.com
‘Rubbing Spittle into Cuts’ 19 Sept – 17 Oct 2026
‘Rubbing Spittle into Cuts’: An Exhibition of Paintings & Sculpture by Daniela Ironside & Gregory Rankine
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
101 St George’s Road, Glasgow in the 1930s when it was the Norwood Cinema. There is now an application to demolish the current Q Club and adjacent buildings for student flats. Image from Scottishcinemas.org.uk
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The Edith Wharton Summit at The Mount, USA I presented at the Edith Wharton Summit in the US on Wharton, Walter and Matilda Gay, on paintings of empty rooms, and imagined interiors. My last visit to Wharton’s house was 26 years ago.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
The Edith Wharton Summit at The Mount, USA
I presented at the Edith Wharton Summit in the US on Wharton, Walter and Matilda Gay, on paintings of empty rooms, and imagined interiors. My last visit to Wharton’s house was 26 years ago.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
This year I am joining WESTFEST to talk about ‘The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic Architecture and Design in the 19th Century’ on 16th June @ 7pm FREE
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
WESTFEST: ‘The Arlington Baths’ Heritage Talk
This year I am joining WESTFEST to talk about ‘The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic Architecture and Design in the 19th Century’ on 16th June @ 7pm FREE
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
This year I am joining @westfest.bsky.social to talk about ‘The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic Architecture and Design in the 19th Century’ on 16th June @ 7pm FREE Full details here: tinyurl.com/45929yuw
A dark room with blue and red stained glass stars in the vaulted ceiling, coloured Minton tiles on the floor and three arches on the back wall. In front are three wooden reclining benches and a water fountain.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Free Talk! WESTFEST 16th June @ 7:00 pm westfest.uk/event/herita...
westfest.uk
HERITAGE TALKS: THE ARLINGTON BATHS, THE ALHAMBRA AND OWEN JONES: ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN IN THE 19TH CENTURY *NEW* - WestFest
What inspired the architecture of the Arlington? Dr AILSA BOYD will examine an extraordinary book on the Alhambra published by designer Owen Jones and discuss how it inspired the Victorian […]
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Quiet Majority @majorityquiet.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Meet James Bembridge, the Reform candidate for Westminster in next month’s local elections. As well as this tweet, Temu Lex Luthor here, has also been quoted as saying "Most NHS nurses look like they're eating food banks out of business." Don’t let him get his deposit back.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Great idea! Link to petition in post below
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Past Glasgow @pastglasgow.co.uk · 05/04/2026
Going by the snow that's currently pelting down outside my window, we have entered "third winter".
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Very sad to see this part of the former Western Infirmary being held up by shipping containers. Is this an emergency fix? The road was closed on Monday due to a dangerous building. 62 Church Street, Glasgow, Western Infirmary Outpatients, Dispensary and Chapel, built c1913 by Sir John James Burnet.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
#savetrongate103 Protest ongoing at GCC’s City Property at the hike in rents and forced signing of contracts for all the vital arts organisations. Why does Glasgow City Council not care about the arts which make this city great?? #protest #glasgowarts #artistsmakeglasgow #artmakeslife
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Sheila Liming @seeshespeak.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
“In societies where freedom is under threat, an informed citizen is countercultural and deep reading is an act of resistance. Just as protest and vigilance are essential, so is the ability to read and think.” newrepublic.com/article/2076...
newrepublic.com
Nonfiction Publishing, Under Threat, Is More Important Than Ever
Cuts in publishing and book reviewing imperil the future of narrative nonfiction, and our understanding of the world around us.
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Arlington Baths Club @arlingtonbaths.co.uk · 04/03/2026
Book now for 'The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic architecture and design in the 19th century’ with Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social. Fri 13 Mar, 7pm, free! @glasgowheritage.bsky.social @glasgowschoolofart.bsky.social @victurk.bsky.social @thevicsoc.bsky.social
eventbrite.co.uk
The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones
An illustrated talk on how Islamic architecture and design inspired the 19th century architecture of the Arlington Baths Club.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
The Turkish sauna in the Arlington Baths Club, Glasgow is 150 years old, and I'm giving a lecture on the history and context of the baths on 13 March 2026 at 7pm.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
Lecture at Arlington Baths Club, 13 March 2026
The Turkish sauna in the Arlington Baths Club is 150 years old, and I'm giving a lecture on the history and context of the baths on 13 March 2026 at 7pm.
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Arlington Baths Club @arlingtonbaths.co.uk · 23/02/2026
Our beautiful Turkish bath is 150 years old! In this illustrated talk, art historian Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social will discuss 'The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic architecture and design in the 19th century’. Fri 13 Mar, 7pm, free!
eventbrite.co.uk
The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones
An illustrated talk on how Islamic architecture and design inspired the 19th century architecture of the Arlington Baths Club.
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Charles West @pseudo-isidore.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
JCB rescuing Amazon Prime van
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Sunshine ☀️ means that I can look up ⬆️ I have never noticed this pillar detail on what remains of Ashton Road in the West End of Glasgow. It sticks out at the gable end where the rest of the road was demolished for the Boyd Orr building of 1972.
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Save Victoria Tower Gardens @savevtg.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Below, an update on our campaign. The Holocaust Memorial Bill has now received Royal Assent. Once the diggers move in there will be no going back, so we will now be campaigning for a fresh planning inquiry. www.crowdjustice.com/case/stop-go...
crowdjustice.com
Stop Government abusing planning rules to build on iconic public park
London Gardens Trust is a small charity with a big mission to champion London’s historic parks, gardens, squares and green spaces for the benefit of everyone. Case advisor: Richard Buxton Solicitors
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
An essay I wrote in 2005 about Millais's landscape painting and working with contemporary artists.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
Millais and The Sound of Many Waters
An essay I wrote in 2005 about Millais's landscape painting and working with contemporary artists.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
I am involved in this hearing about the redevelopment around the Glasgow School of Art. With no progress on the GSA rebuilding, it makes it all the harder to decide on the fate of the rest of the site. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
School of Art concerns over O2 ABC redevelopment plans
Developers are hoping to replace the Glasgow music venue with a public food hall and student flats.
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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 29/12/2025
Wikipedia was once an impossible dream. Today, it is 25 years of humanity at its best. Join us in celebrating what has become the backbone of knowledge on the internet. Donate now ➡️ donate.wikimedia.org #Wikipedia25
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hookland.bsky.social @hookland.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
In Hookland, many a folkloric tale starts not with ‘A long time ago’ or ‘Far, far away’, but with the line: ‘Out across the dark moor where strange songs are still heard …’ For folklore tells strongly of place and our relationships to it. – Dr. M. Benn #Folklore #FolkloreThursday
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Glasgow Coat of Arms @glasgowcoa.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
A wee wander round the Green today + spotted this banner someone has put at the front of the People's Palace - Elseth King RIP 🐦🌳🔔🐟
A banner draped on tailing at the steps of the People's Palace. There's a stone carved Glasgow CoA on the building behind
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hookland.bsky.social @hookland.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
When you feel depleted of enchantment, walk the wood. It is where magic lives loudly. – #EmilyCBanting, 1982
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
My latest blog is some original research into art deco architect Gerald de Courcy Fraser (1873 – 1952) who was the company architect for Lewis’s department stores.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
The department store architect: Gerald de Courcy Fraser
Gerald de Courcy Fraser (1873 – 1952) was an architect who worked mostly in Liverpool and Birmingham and was the company architect for Lewis’s department stores.
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Internet Archive @archive.org · 22/10/2025
It's official! 🏛️ 🎉 The SF Board of Supervisors has unanimously declared October 22, 2025 as Internet Archive Day — celebrating our 1️⃣ trillion webpages preserved & our mission to provide universal access to all knowledge. Learn more & celebrate with us tonight! ➡️ blog.archive.org/2025/10/22/h...
Joyous crowd gathered on the steps of San Francisco City Hall celebrating the Internet Archive.
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KOJAMF🤘🖤🤘 @kojamf.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
There’s a new piece on my website about my recent trip to the South West to a church designed by #OwenJonesArchitect in 1847, St Bartholomew, Sutton Waldron. I was asked to speak at the celebration of the completion of major restorations to the church wall decorations by Owen Jones.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
Owen Jones at St Bartholomew, Sutton Waldron
Last weekend I was invited to speak at the celebration of the completion of major restorations to the painted decorations of St Bartholomew, completed by Owen Jones in 1847.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Owen Jones in Dorset I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church…
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
Owen Jones in Dorset
I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church in his characteristic colourful style. There is a whole weekend of events planned, from a concert, exhibition, activities, thanksgiving service and talks by myself, Philip Emery and Caroline Dakers.
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Sheila Liming @seeshespeak.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Checking off lots of items on Arendt’s list today
Screenshot of document: “ according to Arendt, totalitarian regimes employ the following strategies to achieve and maintain power that 
‘works from within,’ meaning on an individual, 
psychological level:
1. denial of economic realities / promotion of 
‘classless’ society and conversion of social / 
economic classes into masses, or mobs 
2. propaganda and suppression of the media 
3. terror, which becomes an “essential function of 
government”
4. imposed statelessness, by which regimes decree 
who does and does not count as “citizens”
4. supplanting intellectuals and creatives: “The 
consistent persecution of every higher form of intellectual 
activity by the new mass leaders springs from more than 
their natural resentment against everything they cannot 
understand … Totalitarianism [] invariably replaces all 
first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with 
those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and 
creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty” 
(377).
5. the imperial boomerang, or the idea that 
governments that develop repressive techniques to 
control colonial territories will eventually deploy those 
same techniques domestically against their own citizens.
6. fake government functions, organizations, or 
agencies
7. loneliness”
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derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Any time I talk about a wealthy person's outfit, someone in the comments is quick to reply: "They're rich, you think they care?" No one has to care about my opinions or clothes, regardless of net worth. But let's talk about the connection between wealth and aesthetics 🧵
Someone on Twitter writes: "You think he gives a shit? His company (and net worth) went up in magnitudes of billions during his presentation yesterday. That's the last thing he cares about. :laughing emoji:
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Please sign this petition about the removal of librarians from Glasgow schools. chng.it/R9SFDdNZnY
chng.it
Sign the Petition
Save our School Librarians! Reverse proposed cuts to Glasgow schools
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James McEnaney @jamesmcenaney.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Every single high school in Glasgow will lose its librarian under the current plans. It is happening after SNP and Green councillors voted for major education cuts in the Glasgow City Council budget.
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hookland.bsky.social @hookland.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
Goodnight from Tony Smollet, slipping Mother Kemp’s malakins into the timber while volunteering to help build the St. John’s Eve bonefire. Goodnight from the Merry Maidens parade band, enjoying one last practice before summoning the Bone Horse tomorrow. Goodnight from Hookland.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
Transatlantic Literary Women Symposium 4-5 July, University of Derby/online. A fabulous group of speakers, from Wharton to the Harlem Renaissance with keynote from Dr Katharine Cox - Register here! tiny.cc/43mn001
tiny.cc
TLW Symposium 2025: Programme & Tickets
The Transatlantic Literary Women Symposium is happening at the University of Derby on the 4th-5th July 2025. It’s also a completely hybrid event, so you’re also able to tune in and part…
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Lorraine @wolfq4.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
A few of my talks were postponed earlier this year for the #Glasgow 850 anniversary series, hosted by the Thomson Society. I was asked to share the new dates, so here you go! Tickets not released yet, but book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-alexan... #savethedate #history #earlymodern #skystorians
List of history talk dates in 2025 from Historian Lorraine Murray for the Glasgow 850 anniversary series for the Alexander Thomson Society.
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Ruth Husko @dankackroyd.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Mortifying experience at Pulp last night but taking comfort that I’m not the worst person Jarvis Cocker has ever impersonated
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
North Laurieston Masterplan Consultation 24 June ⬇️ www.urbanrealm.com/news/11507/N...
urbanrealm.com
North Laurieston positioned as an extension of Glasgow city centre : June 2025 : News : Architecture in profile the building environment in Scotland - Urban Realm
North Laurieston positioned as an extension of Glasgow city centre, June 2025, News, Architecture and the built environment is an integral part of our society and we hope to provide a useful platform ...
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The Victorian Society @thevicsoc.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
ALL ABOARD! 🚂 📣SAVE LIVERPOOL STREET STATION! The planning application for partial demolition of the listed station in the City of London to build a tower over it is now LIVE!! Here's our guide to writing your objection by 4th July: bit.ly/3ZQRkk8 #heritage #cityoflondon
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Arlington Baths Club @arlingtonbaths.co.uk · 01/06/2025
Do you fancy a free guided tour of Europe's oldest members owned and run swimming club? Founded in 1870 and Grade A listed. Book your here on the @WestFestGlasgow tours: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/westfest-2... #glasgow #swimming #heritage #sport
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Arlington Baths Club @arlingtonbaths.co.uk · 01/06/2025
The Club is taking part again in @WestFestGlasgow this June! Join us for tours, talks, water polo, poolside classics and a spectacular street gala! more info: arlingtonbaths.co.uk/home #glasgow #events #funday #talks #tours
Poster for a gala funday at the Arlington Baths Club Glasgow on 21 June 2025 showing street entertainers, children dancing and musicians text reads live music, circus performers, water polo, face painting, arts activities, poolside music
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
This year I have been invited to deliver the following public talks, mostly as part of Glasgow 850 - see details on my latest blog.
ailsaboyd.wordpress.com
Glasgow 850 Lectures in 2025 – so far
This year I have been invited to deliver the following public talks, mostly as part of Glasgow 850
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
A whiz through Glasgow's history by @murphyniallgla.bsky.social for #Glasgow850 which also describes some of the reasons for the depressing state of our built heritage. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2520557...
heraldscotland.com
Glasgow’s ‘blight and dereliction’ makes it ‘Britain’s Detroit’ – Niall Murphy
Nobody knows Glasgow better than architect Niall Murphy. To mark its 850th anniversary, he tells our Writer at Large about Glasgow’s journey from…
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Susie Dent @susiedentwords.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Word of the day is ‘forswunk’ (13th century): exhausted from too much work. I like to think that ‘foreswunk’ is to be exhausted before you even begin.
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Internet Archive @archive.org · 17/04/2025
📢 The Internet Archive needs your help. At a time when information is being rewritten or erased online, a $700 million lawsuit from major record labels threatens to destroy the Wayback Machine. Tell the labels to drop the 78s lawsuit. 👉 Sign our open letter: www.change.org/p/defend-the... 🧵⬇️
Defend the Internet Archive.
Protect the Wayback Machine.
Tell the music labels: Drop the 78s lawsuit.
Sign our open letter on change.org
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christhebarker @christhebarker.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
I mean this is such an open goal it must have been intentional? #tronarse #tronares
The poster for Tron Ares but it has been changed to say Tron Arse and a comedy bottom with red neon buttcrack has been added for extra lols...
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
A great turnout and enthusiastic audience yesterday for my lecture on ‘Ancient Inspiration for Modern Living: Alexander Thomson and Owen Jones’ for The Alexander Thomson Society @ Mitchell Library. Thank you everyone for coming and asking great questions! #Glasgow850
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Dr Ailsa Boyd @ailsaboyd.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
#academia Academic writers - work stolen!
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