Remembering Elspeth King — The Visionary Who Immortalized Billy Connolly’s Banana Boots
When we talk about the people who shaped Scotland’s cultural story, one name that absolutely deserves to be remembered is Dr. Elspeth King. She wasn’t a celebrity or a performer like Billy Connolly, but her work made sure the laughter, art, and history of Scotland were never forgotten. Sadly, Elspeth King has passed away — leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of Scotland’s most influential curators and social historians.
Elspeth King’s career was defined by her love for the ordinary stories of ordinary people. Born in Lochore, Fife, she came from a mining family and studied medieval history at the University of St Andrews before completing her museum studies at Leicester. Her big career breakthrough came in 1974 when she joined Glasgow’s People’s Palace as curator of social history. From that moment, she became a fierce guardian of Scotland’s working-class heritage.
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One of her earliest curatorial choices — and perhaps the most memorable — was displaying Billy Connolly’s now-iconic Banana Boots . Designed by Glasgow pop artist Edmund Smith in 1975, the boots symbolized Connolly’s bold, comedic spirit. But at the time, not everyone appreciated it. Some critics complained that Connolly’s humor was “too crude” to be honored in a museum. Yet Elspeth stood by her decision, arguing that Scotland’s culture wasn’t just about kings and castles — it was about real people, their humor, and their everyday lives. That conviction defined everything she did.
Under her guidance, the People’s Palace earned major recognition — winning European Museum of the Year in 1981 and British Museum of the Year in 1983. She brought in artists like Alasdair Gray, whose vibrant depictions of Glasgow became part of the city’s visual identity. Her passion for preserving authentic Scottish voices often put her at odds with the establishment, but she never backed down.
After leaving the People’s Palace in 1990, she continued her mission — restoring Abbot House in Dunfermline and later leading the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum until 2018. Even as funding challenges piled up, Elspeth’s dedication ensured these cultural institutions survived and thrived.
Tributes have poured in from across Scotland. Colleagues, artists, and politicians have all remembered her as a “pioneer,” a “towering force,” and a “defender of Glasgow’s working-class stories.” She was even affectionately remembered for her People’s Palace companion — her cat, Smudge, who became a minor celebrity in her own right.
Dr. Elspeth King was more than a museum curator; she was a cultural guardian who understood that history lives not only in books and monuments, but in laughter, art, and everyday life. Thanks to her, icons like Billy Connolly and the stories of Scotland’s people will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.
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