Paisley: Museum shawl display expanded by MGS grant

Museum Galleries Scotland (MGS) has awarded the money to Paisley Museum Reimagined in another major boost for the venue.

The funding, secured from MSG’s Museum Development Fund, will allow the museum team to create a series of visually exciting displays of the shawl collection, uniquely belonging to Paisley. 

Kirsty Devine, Project Director of Paisley Museum Reimagined, said: “To know that we will be able to display the shawls in a way in which we never have before further enhances plans for our transformed museum. It really is exciting.

“They are an important part of our history and demonstrate the importance of shawl weaving in the town as well as the wider global connections.

But they are now delicate and need to be carefully looked after to ensure they can be safely displayed and enjoyed by everyone. The support from Museum Galleries Scotland allows us to do that, creating another attraction.”

The Museum will be able to display almost 70 patterns each year. 

Which will be the most extensive collection of the shawls since the museum started to collect them in 1905. 

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of museum operator Renfrewshire Leisure,

said: “We know the important role cultural heritage plays in boosting wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem. The Paisley shawl collection exemplifies this link with our past in an most enjoyable, colourful and illuminating way.

“We are delighted that Paisley Museum Reimagined has secured this grant from Museum Galleries Scotland and grateful to them for their support.

“The collection of around 1,200 shawls held by Renfrewshire Museum Service is of national significance. This funding will allow us to show the collection to its best.”

The museum project is part of a wider investment in Paisley’s historic venues by Renfrewshire Council, aimed at using its internationally-significant heritage and cultural story to bring new life and footfall to the town.

The Paisley Museum is scheduled to reopen in 2023.