Paisley Textile Talks: Saturday 3rd may 1-4pm

Join us on Saturday, May 3rd, for an inspiring discussion featuring Hannah Sabapathy, Heather Shields, and Andrew Crummy. Together, we’ll explore Paisley’s rich textile heritage—from tracing the origins of the Paisley pattern to showcasing current community textile projects.

You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at embroidery and contribute to this special project.

Meet Our Speakers:

Hannah Sabapathy is a practice-based PhD researcher at The School of Design, University of Leeds. Her work examines British copies of South Asian textiles during the 19th century, exploring how creative practice can help decolonise archives.

Andrew Crummy is an artist who has designed over 20 tapestries since 2010 including the designer of The Great Tapestry of Scotland which is now housed in its own museum in Galashiels. Recently launched is The Scottish Tapestry trail charity which seeks support for a tapestry trail around Scotland which includes The Renfrewshire Tapestry.

Heather Shields will be speaking about her artist residency. As part of the Paisley TH.CARS2 regeneration programme (funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland & Renfrewshire Council) Heather Shields and fellow weaver Shielagh Tacey participated in a two year part time residency with the Sma’ Shot Cottages in Paisley from 2017- 2019 culminating in an exhibition. Inspired by an annotated map of Paisley from 1857 our exhibition pieces utilised both jacquard and dobby weaving and explored different techniques and materials used by Paisley weavers and the links between Paisley’s textiles, manufacture and architecture.

Come along for an engaging, hands-on session—we’d love to see you there!

Venue: UWS student Union, Storie St, Paisley, PA12AR