Legacy of Anne will live on in the Abbey
Tribute to tapestry brainchild
A Paisley teacher who touched the lives of many Buddies will forever be remembered by the tapestry in Paisley Abbey.
Anne Carmichael was the brainchild behind Paisley Grammar’s commemorate tapestry designed to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the iconic building.
Still hanging in the church 40 years later, her daughter Fiona Carmichael said it was a fitting tribute to an art teacher whose classroom provided solace for many teenagers over the years. She died on April 7, aged 90. Fiona said: “She had the idea to create a tapestry to celebrate Paisley Abbey and had pupils create images which were then replicated in weaving.
“She got the technical department to produce lots of mini looms and then, after each pupil created their section, it was all sewn together and included their names around the edges.
“I don’t think she ever imagined that it would still be hanging 40 years later.
“I know she was proud of what the students achieved, rather than her role in it.”
Anne started teaching at Paisley Grammar in the 1970s after stints at Barrhead High School, where she met her husband Blyth, and at St Mirin’s Academy.
She remained there until she retired in 1986, over which time she made an immeasurable impression on young Buddies including actor David Tennant and interior designer John Amabile.
As news of her death spread across the town this week, Fiona and her brother Ewan - who themselves attended John Neilson High School - have been inundated with messages from former students and staff alike.
They describe Anne as an “inspiration”, the “loveliest lady you could meet” and, above, all a great teacher.
Fiona added: “I have been going through my mum’s things and I have found letters from former pupils who have spoken of her compassion and moments in their lives that they will never forget.
“She was always in her classroom at lunchtime and break time setting up for the next lesson and a lot of pupils would come and wonder around the classroom and chat to her as she was working.
“Many of them found solace in her classroom.”
Anne, who was born in Paisley and attended Glasgow School of Art before becoming a teacher, retired in 1986 at the age of 56.
She and Blyth, who was a maths teacher at Port Glasgow High School, moved to Glasgow after retiring, with Anne deciding to live near Fiona in Leeds after Blyth passed away.
Anne maintained her love of art throughout her life and continued to paint into her 80s.
She had been living with Alzheimer’s Disease at Grove Park home, in Leeds, and passed away following a foot infection.
Now Fiona wants to celebrate her mum’s life, her wicked sense of humour, and interest in people. She said: “What a brilliant wife, mum, granny, great granny, aunt, mother in law, teacher and friend she was.
“She leaves a lasting legacy in the form of her grandchildren Alex and Alastair and in her ex pupils.”