A new exhibition will explore the history of Scottish-Italian migration through the lens of one of the city’s best known cafes.

A new exhibition opening in Maryhill Burgh Halls explores Scottish-Italian migration and community life through the story of Café D’Jaconelli, a century-old café remembered fondly by generations of Maryhill people.

Focusing on the iconic café, which featured in Trainspotting, the exhibition traces how Italian families established cafés and ice-cream businesses, adapted their names and traditions, and became part of everyday Scottish life. Café D’Jaconelli is shown, not as an isolated success story, but as part of a wider pattern across Scotland, where cafés were both workplaces and social hubs.

Cafe D’Jaconelli has been a staple of Maryhill for more than a century, and has been a favourite spot for Glaswegians in the West End - including Billy Connolly. The cafe was opened by Sante Jaconelli.

Teresa and Sante Jaconelli, the founders of the cafe in 1930 with their 3 daughters Lisa, Rina and Emilia | Supplied

placeholder image — Teresa and Sante Jaconelli, the founders of the cafe in 1930 with their 3 daughters Lisa, Rina and Emilia | Supplied

The exhibition brings together photographs and personal stories to illustrate the lives of Italian migrants and their contribution to local communities.

Aurora Segnan, Heritage Coordinator of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust and, herself, an Italian migrant, said: “It’s been rewarding to discover what people before me built, and to tell a story that is about Maryhill, its cafés, and its community.

“By tracing the history of Café D’Jaconelli, the exhibition highlights the lasting contributions of Scottish-Italian families and reflects the everyday places and people that left a mark not just on the Italian community but, also, every Glaswegian.”

An evening in the cafe in the 1950s | Supplied

Paul Jaconelli, the son of the late Mario Jaconelli, the popular proprietor of the iconic café said:‘’Seeing these photos of our much-loved family members serving the people of Maryhill and beyond brings back so many memories and has reminded us of how much the community means to our family. We are grateful to have been a part of it for so many years.’’

The exhibition is open from 6th February until 10th April, Monday- Friday, 10am-5pm. All welcome.