Glasgow Digital Library RED CLYDESIDE PEOPLE EVENTS GROUPS LITERATURE IMAGES
Red Clydeside

Key political figures of the Red Clydeside period

James Maxton

James Maxton was one of the leading figures of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) in Glasgow and a key political figure during the Red Clydeside period. Like many of his colleagues in the ILP, Maxton was a pacifist and campaigned against Britain's involvement in the first world war and against the introduction of conscription. Maxton was imprisoned in 1916 for delivering pro-strike speeches at a demonstration to oppose the Munitions Act. Maxton was elected MP for Bridgeton in 1922 and devoted much of his political life to alleviating poverty within the city of Glasgow.

Maxton Papers collection

Image thumbnail Photograph showing James Maxton (second from left) in discussion with John Maclean (third from left).
Original 'warrant to summon' issued to Maxton, Shinwell, Maclean and other speakers following anti-conscription demonstration in Glasgow. Image thumbnail
Image thumbnail Arrest warrant for James Maxton and James McDougall on the charge of sedition.
Letter written from Duke Street prison by James Maxton to his fiancee, Sissie McCallum. Image thumbnail
Image thumbnail James Maxton's certificate of exemption from military service in the first world war on grounds of conscientious objection.
Election manifesto of James Maxton, Labour candidate in Bridgeton in the general election of 1918. Image thumbnail
Image thumbnail Election manifesto of James Maxton, Labour candidate in Bridgeton in the general election of 1922.
James Maxton 1922 general election postcard entitled 'Vote for Maxton and save the children'. Image thumbnail
Image thumbnail Election address of James Maxton, Labour candidate for Bridgeton in 1924.
Bust of James Maxton by Kathleen Scott, Lady Kennet (1878-1947). Image thumbnail
Image thumbnail Photograph showing James Maxton, Davie Kirkwood and others attending an Independent Labour Party summer school.
Photograph showing (from left to right) John Taylor, Fenner Brockway, John McNair and James Maxton. Image thumbnail

Glasgow Digital Library RED CLYDESIDE PEOPLE EVENTS GROUPS LITERATURE IMAGES