Launch of Nationwide Art Publication at Paisley Museum
The launch of the publication, The Public Catalogue Foundation – Oil Paintings in Public Ownership in Strathclyde which is a collection of 2,400 oil paintings held by local authorities across the country, will take place in Paisley Museum this week, in an event hosted by Renfrewshire Arts & Museums and the Paisley Art Institute.
Forming part of a series of books containing artworks across the UK, The Public Catalogue Foundation – Oil Paintings in Public Ownership in Strathclyde is a celebration of the rich variety of oil paintings held in this area, including pieces owned by Paisley Museum and Paisley Art Institute.
Paisley Museum houses one of the largest art collections in Scotland, and holds the Renfrewshire Council and the Paisley Art Institute collections, which together comprise nearly 800 works.
The collections held by Paisley Museum include works by well-known artists such as James Elder Christie, William Kennedy and Sir John Lavery, in addition to the Scottish Colourists and contemporary works by artists such as Steven Campbell, Margaret Hunter and John Byrne.
Councillor Jim Harte, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Sport, Leisure and Cultural Policy Board states ‘This stunning publication reveals the impressive collection of oil paintings that are held by Paisley Museum. Together with the artworks from Paisley Art institute, it is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that exists in Renfrewshire.’
Michael Durning, President of Paisley Arts Institute states, ‘Paisley owes a great debt of gratitude to the generosity of those who wanted to reflect the pride and success of their town. In a collective spirit of giving, they donated works of art so prodigiously that their legacy has enabled Paisley to have one of the largest art collections in Scotland, the most important pieces often seen abroad. However, it is a living collection which continues to be added to, with donations from today’s thriving artistic community.’
Courtesy of Renfrewshire Arts.