Influential women of Paisley to be celebrated as part of exhibition in twin town of Furth

Influential women from across Paisley and Renfrewshire have gathered to celebrate their heritage with a special visitor from Paisley’s sister town of Fürth.

Michaela Schneider, who is a member of the Women’s Museum in the German city, visited the town last week to find out more about the history of powerful women from Paisley.

The museum plans to include information on Paisley’s broad cultural diversity and feminine history in its latest exhibition which focuses on Fürth and its twin locations in France, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Scotland.

The exhibition will look at the ‘feminine side’ of Fürth and its twin cities, and will bring to life the stories of strong women, past and present.

Paisley has been twinned with Fürth since 1969 and also has further twin town links with Gladsaxe in Denmark.

During her visit, Michaela attended a special dinner at Paisley Town Hall to meet influential figures in culture, art, music, sport, business and politics from across Renfrewshire.

Among those attending the dinner were former Provost of Renfrewshire Anne Hall, director of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 Jean Cameron, president of the Old Paisley Society Cath Mitchell, InCube Renfrewshire designer Dominika Zurawska, artist Caroline Gormley, Diane Mitchell of the Diane Mitchell Music School and local musicians Carol Laula, Linzi Clark and Lisa Kowalski.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who welcomed Michaela Schneider and guests at the event, said: “I was delighted to welcome Michaela to Paisley and celebrate the efforts of outstanding women in the Renfrewshire area.

“The exhibition in Fürth will go a long way to highlight the important work of women throughout Paisley’s history and their influence on society today.

“This event was a fantastic way to showcase the inspirational work and activity being carried out by women right here in Renfrewshire, whilst also building upon the strong relationship we have developed with Fürth.”

Michaela Schneider said: “The purpose of my visit was to get to know Paisley, introduce the Women’s Museum and to make connections for future collaborations between our museum and the town.

“Learning about Jane Arthur, the Mill Girls and Agnus Russell, to name just a few, and the businesswomen, politicians and creative minds I have met during my visit, I have found a town with an impressive spirit which has been inspired by these women.

“I have been moved by the unbelievable support and warm-hearted welcome, which was apparent even before I came over from Germany.”

Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “Celebrating our international links is a key part of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 and it was fantastic to have Michaela visit from our twin town of Fürth.

“Paisley’s bid is also about highlighting the area’s cultural and historical figures – and the town’s rich history of strong women in the mills showcases just that.

“The town has raised women who have gone on to change the world and it is great that we will be able to mark this with our friends in Fürth.”

You can visit the International Women’s Museum website at www.frauenindereinenwelt.de