Culture? We’ve got that covered

We reveal stunning artwork fronting Paisley’s campaign for title

From Gerry Rafferty to the birth of punk and an infamous snail trapped in a bottle of ginger beer, it is history with a Paisley pattern.

And the threads of that past will literally run through the town’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021.

J&P Coats thread has been woven into the cloth covers of the bid brochures given to judges who, in December, will decide to give the title to either Paisley, Stoke, Coventry, Sunderland or Swansea.

The ancient thread is historically the town’s most famous export.

And Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 bid director, said: “It isn’t every town that can claim to have literally woven its past into its future.”

Each of the 26 cover designs is a unique work of art, featuring the work of locals and artists, inspired by people and landmarks in the town’s culture and history. Jean added: “We wanted to present something very special to reflect the diverse ways in which people express their creativity in Paisley.”

The benefits could be huge, providing a £127 million boost to the town’s economy and creating 5000 jobs. They could also expect two million visitors to a programme of world class cultural events.

Singer Paolo Nutini, a famous Buddie, last week backed the bid saying: “It’s about restoring the faith in Paisley.”

Here, we take a look at the artists and stories behind some of the bid covers.

HORNS The painting by Polish artist and Paisley resident Dominika Zaraweski now hangs in Madonna’s New York apartment. Dominika, 35, whose work sells for more than £10,000, chose Paisley pattern horns because “they symbolise the town I love”.