James Maxton (1885-1946) with the St Rollox Co-op Junior Choir which was performing at a Saturday evening concert in the City Halls in aid of the Independent Labour Party (ILP).
Maxton was the son of teachers, who was born in Pollokshaws in 1885 and moved to Barrhead five years later. As a teenager he won a scholarship to attend Hutchesons' Grammar School, and in 1902 went to teacher training college and matriculated to study at the University of Glasgow. Although he joined the University's Unionist Association while he was a student there, by 1904 Maxton had become a socialist and a member of the ILP. He became a teacher at Pollokshaws Academy and later at St James' Public School in Bridgeton but continued to study part-time, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in 1910.
After joining the ILP, Maxton soon found himself speaking most evenings and weekends on behalf of the party. He rose swiftly through the ranks, and by 1913 was Chairman of the Scottish ILP. In 1922 he was elected MP for Bridgeton, a position which he held until his death.
Reference: 747.85.135
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
children, choirs, City Halls, concerts, Glasgow Teachers Training College, Hutchesons' Grammar School, ILP, Independent Labour Party, Members of Parliament, MPs, music, politics, socialism, St Rollox Co-operative Junior Choir, Unionist Association
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