Thread carefully…weaving exhibition moves home

Work produced by the Artisan’s Institute weaving group – part of Paisley’s Townscape Heritage and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme2 (TH.CARS2) – is now on display at the Disability Resource Centre in Love Street until Friday 12 July.

Glasgow Clyde College’s Fashion & Textiles Department has been delivering weekly weaving workshops as part of the regeneration project since 2017.

Led by professional weaver Amy Bond, weavers used handheld frame looms to learn about a variety of patterns, before moving onto four-shaft table looms, where they can experiment with colour.

The exhibition displays woven samples and finished pieces created by participants, and marks the conclusion of the weaving part of the regeneration project.

TH.CARS2 is a £4.5m regeneration project which will run until 2021 and includes a building restoration and shopfront improvement work in the area around Paisley High St, as well as a programme of community activity celebrating the town’s heritage.

The project is led by Renfrewshire Council, with funding provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “The weaving sessions have been a great success. As well as learning about the art of weaving, the people involved discovered more about Paisley’s history and heritage, and the textile industry overall.

“This exhibition celebrates the work produced by everyone who has taken part, and all of the weavers should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.”

The exhibition initially ran at Made in Paisley gallery in Paisley High Street for a week in May.

Woven designs can be viewed at the DRC between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to 3pm on a Friday.

Now that the programme of classes is complete, the DRC will continue to fund a weekly weaving workshop.