New Paisley mural will promote good mental health
Mental health recovery is the theme for the latest mural in Paisley’s series of colourful public artworks.
Work has started on the piece in Lawn Street and the creativity of one of the town’s community groups has been tapped in to for the project.
The Paisley First Walls Series has been spreading some fun and colour around the town as well as highlighting various aspects of local history.
Arts collective Made in the Mill, which is based at Mile End Mill and is supported by the NHS, teamed up with Paisley artist Duncan Wilson to create a design.
Made in the Mill works with artists who use art and creativity as part of their recovery.
Sarah Grant, creative arts coordinator with the NHS Network Service, is involved with the group and explained: “The mural was designed to represent recovery and the clients involved liked the symbolic image of ‘getting your head above the clouds’.
“The words ‘and breathe’ were chosen as a relaxing, open message about wellbeing that could apply to everyone.”
There is already a gigantic kingfisher bird mural in Johnston Street and a St Mirren-themed one in Brown’s Lane – both painted by local artist Mark Worst.
The kingfisher, a bird that can sometimes be spotted on the River Cart, represents the life and work of one of Paisley’s famous sons – Alexander Wilson.
He is credited worldwide with establishing ornithology as a science and was originally a weaver poet.
The Saints artwork stars the Paisley club’s 1987 Scottish Cup winning legends.
Duncan Wilson said: “It’s great to be part of Paisley First’s Walls series and I’d just like to thank the participants of Made in the Mill for their creativity and input into developing this mural.
“It has been a pleasure working with them.”
The mural trail was the b ra i n c h i l d o f b u s i n e s s regeneration group Paisley First and vice chairman David Wallace is thrilled with its success.
He added: “It’s really important that community groups are involved in these projects.
“These murals are for the people of Paisley, by the people of Paisley.
“This is just one of a number of projects aimed at getting local people actively involved in what’s happening in their home town.”
The public art is part-funded with a grant from Renfrewshire’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund.
When the Lawn Street mural is completed, work will start on the fourth mural at Lady Lane. The winning design for this, which was open to Renfrewshire’s creative community, is due to be announced shortly.