Made in the Mill – Community group inspires next Paisley First mural

Work on the next mural in the Paisley First Walls Series is underway in the town’s Lawn Street thanks to the creativity of one of the town’s community groups.

Made in the Mill worked with Paisley based artist Duncan Wilson to create a design concept which raises awareness of mental health.

The group, an artists’ collective based in Mile End Mill Paisley and supported by the NHS, works with artists who use art and creativity as part of their recovery.

Sarah Grant, Creative Arts Co-ordinator with the NHS Network Service, who supports

Made in the Mill, said: “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 which could apply to everyone.”

Artist 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.”

Paisley First Vice Chairman, David Wallace, said: “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.”

This is the third Paisley First mural with two other murals on the town’s Storie Street and Johnston Street also attracting visitors to the town.

The Paisley First Walls Series is part-funded with a grant through Renfrewshire’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund.

Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “The existing murals already make wonderful additions to the town centre and we are delighted to have helped Paisley First fund this great project.

“One of the key aims of Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid is to create opportunities to harness the power of culture makes people’s lives better – involvement in cultural activity has a proven impact on health and well-being.

“For this latest mural to be raising awareness of mental health issues is a perfect way to bring that message to life.”

After Lawn Street, work on the fourth mural will get underway at Lady Lane with the winning design for this location, which was open to Renfrewshire’s creative community, due to be announced shortly.