Rowan Markson Daily Bread

The workshop investigates the social economic need for Daily Bread, through the Glasgow Morning Roll and Marrakech Crazy Bread.

Rowan Markson's interest originates from the production and consumption of Fake Bacon in Marrakech. Charcuterie Zahwa Halal was a beef alternative to bacon, invented by artisanal butcher Mohamed Taitira and a Jewish friend in 1969, yet discontinued in 1998. Some four years previously, in 1965, the Morton’s Roll was first introduced to Glasgow. While you still find Morton’s Roll in newsagents and local shops across Glasgow, its rival McGhee’s Bakery produces rolls on an industrial scale for supermarkets across Scotland.

Mohamed Taitra worked as a butchers assistant in the Jewish market in Mellah, returning later to opening up his own shop Zahwa. The relationship between Mohamed and his Jewish friend reveals the potential for inclusive and diverse collaborations, to unearth or counter cultural taboos. A parallel can be made with Scotland which had its own historic pork taboo until the 1800s, which is reflected in the current social and ethnic dynamic in Glasgow.

There is still a cultural and social economic need for Daily Bread and the cheap fillings that come with it. The workshop seeks to re-contextualise both Zahwa and Mortons, by creating a fusion of Crazy Bread and the Morton Roll.