Paisley Museum and Art Gallery

http://www.paisley.org.uk/attractions/museum.php

Paisley Museum opened in 1871 in a purpose-built gallery designed by the well-known Glasgow architect, John Honeyman.

The art collection has an emphasis on late 19th century and early 20th-century Scottish artists including work by the Glasgow School, the Scottish Colourists and Paisley-born writer and artist, John Byrne. The contemporary collection has a number of notable works by the artists Anya Gallaccio, David Shrigley, Francis Upritchard, Jonathan Owen and Claire Barclay.

The craft collection has a focus on textile designs and patterns from the local area, holding the largest collection of Paisley fabric in the UK. The display of the permanent collection changes four or five times per year.

Guest editor’s note:
Sitting solidly atop Paisley’s High Street, Paisley Museum and Art Gallery is a handsome reminder of the town’s wealthy, diverse and proud history. While the museum exhibits detail the history of the area (keep an eye out for the stuffed lion), the gallery focuses very much on the now, showing works in a light and airy space that is often surprisingly contemporary in its curation.

Reviewed by: Anne McMeekin