A Glasgow filmmaker is working to bring a forgotten Scottish literary gem to the screen, all thanks to an unexpected housewarming gift. Sarah Purser, executive producer and founder of Little White Rose Films, has set her sights on adapting Wax Fruit, a historical novel by Guy McCrone, into a groundbreaking multi-season TV series.
Reviving a Classic Piece of Scottish Writing
For Sarah, Wax Fruit is more than just a novel—it’s a beautifully researched, richly detailed piece of writing that perfectly captures the spirit of 19th-century Glasgow. “It’s such a quality piece of writing. It’s beautifully researched,” Sarah says. “McCrone was quite an interesting man. He writes so beautifully about the city, and he knows it, and he loves it, and it’s got so much art and culture woven into it.”
Originally published in the mid-20th century, Wax Fruit had become somewhat forgotten by mainstream audiences, despite its vivid portrayal of Victorian-era Glasgow. The novel spans a trilogy, following the rise of the Moorehouse family from humble beginnings in Ayrshire to becoming pillars of Glasgow society. This period in the city’s history, Sarah argues, is rich with untapped stories and opportunities for cultural exploration.
A Vibrant and Dynamic City
Sarah’s passion for the project is rooted in the sense of life and vibrancy that McCrone captured in his writing. “It’s a particularly exciting period for the city,” she notes. The late 19th century was a time of immense growth and change for Glasgow, transitioning from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural hub. The novel’s depiction of this transformation offers an ideal backdrop for a series that delves into the complexities of class, ambition, and identity during a dynamic era.
The book’s rich characters, historical context, and detailed portrayal of Glasgow will all serve as a foundation for what Sarah hopes will be a visually stunning and culturally significant series. With the city itself as a key character, the adaptation promises to be a love letter to both Glasgow’s history and its ongoing cultural significance.
