LOVE PAISLEY
A picture tells a thousand words…
Looking to get out for some fresh air and enjoy the summer sunshine? A walk around the town centre is a great way to spend the afternoon, exploring Paisley’s rich heritage and bright future through beautiful street art.
BUDDIE BY CAROLINE GORMLEY, STORIE STREET Etched on the gable wall next to Allan’s Fish and Chip Shop, Buddie depicts competition winner and local youngster, Eva Rose Ross, as she encourages Paisley locals to “spread your wings.” The idea for this image was to show that children are the future of the town. The reflection of the buildings are a representation of Paisley’s heritage and the importance of how it’s down to the younger generations to uphold the future of that heritage. Brought to life in collaboration with fellow artist Alexander Guy, Caroline Gormley set out to create a work that would encourage young people to be curious and to be inspired by the rich heritage of the town.
KINGFISHER BY MARK WORST, JOHNSTON STREET The mural trail set out to capture the story of Paisley past, present and future and the first mural in the series to be created is certainly eye-catching. This work highlights one of the town’s relatively unknown sons, Alexander Wilson, as well as one of the town’s most iconic buildings and local wildlife. The kingfisher represents the life and work of Alexander Wilson, who is credited with establishing ornithology as a science. Originally a weaver poet, Alexander Wilson moved to America where he studied wildlife and travelled widely, documenting and drawing hundreds of illustrations of birds on his way. Behind the Kingfisher, the iconic Thomas Coats Memorial Church looms majestically in the background. 22
AND BREATHE BY DUNCAN WILSON, LAWN STREET The next mural to be completed saw a message from one of the town’s community groups taking centre stage. Designed by the Made in The Mill collective in tandem with local artist Duncan Wilson, this piece is intended to raise awareness around mental health issues and serves as a timely reminder to take a moment during a hectic day. Supported by the NHS, the artists at MITM use creativity as a conduit for their recovery. While for Duncan, he hopes that the mural gave a voice to all the participants at Made in the Mill who took part in creating the design and that it ultimately conveyed the message they wanted to share with Paisley.
