History of Paisley weavers celebrated by artwork and led walks along traffic-free National Cycle Network route

·       Hector Dyer’s ‘Paisley Weavers’ is a series of woven panels which tells the story of Scottish weavers, specifically those in Paisley and Glasgow, and the disabilities they developed through their trade.

·       Led walks are taking place on the 12th and 14th December from Paisley Canal Train Station to see the woven art, meet the artist Hector and visit the Sma Shot Cottages  – 18^th century weavers cottages which have been fully restored and furnished.

• Hector’s artwork is one of four commissioned by Sustrans Scotland to celebrate Disability History Month.
• Disability History Month is an annual, month-long celebration of Disability history between the 16^th November and 16^th December, focusing on the history of Disabled people’s struggle for equality and human rights.

Artist Hector Dyer is telling the story of the Paisley weavers through an installation and series of events on National Cycle Network Route 7 as part of 2022’s Disability History Month celebrations across the country.

‘Paisley Weavers’ is a series of woven panels which tells the story of Scottish weavers, specifically those in Paisley and Glasgow, and the disabilities they developed through their trade.

The final artwork can be found on National Cycle Network Route 7, close to Paisley town centre.

On the 12th and 14th of December Hector is running led walks from Paisley Canal Train Station to see the woven art, give attendees the opportunity to hear more about the project, and visit the Sma Shot Cottages  – 18^th century weavers cottages which have been fully restored and furnished.

Hector is a self-taught artist who works across textiles, performance and social engagement. Based in Glasgow, their art takes a DIY approach and often involves working with other people.

Speaking ahead of the events, Hector said: 

“It has been really special to have the time to research these stories and have such freedom in how we tell them”.

“I have been thinking about the role of the body in handweaving for a long time. It is an ongoing and personal connection I have been trying to work out.

“This commission has given me the opportunity to uncover generations of handweavers in Paisley and the legacy this trade has had upon their bodies and livelihoods.

“I have also found real inspiration from how they came together and supported one another through ongoing hardship”.

Hector’s installation is one of four which are going to be hosted along National Cycle Network routes between 16^th November and 16^th December 2022.

The other pieces by artists Sasha Saben Callaghan, Ellen Renton and Dylan Esposito were unveiled in Edinburgh and Dumfries respectively.

It is hoped they will encourage everyone to reflect on change and highlight what still needs to be done to achieve equality for Disabled people.

Disability History Month is a UK-wide celebration of Disability history held annually since 2010. It focuses on the history of Disabled people’s struggle for equality and human rights.

The theme of this year’s celebration is Disability, Health and Well Being.

Disability History Month Scotland (DHMS) was formed in 2011 by a small group of Disabled people with the endorsement and support of the UK Disability History Month steering group.

Through art, talks, public meetings, drama and song, DHMS aims to ensure that the history of Disabled people in Scotland is not forgotten, and that the lessons of the past are learned.

For more information about Sustrans’ Disability History Month programme of artworks, please visit: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/news/2022/november/disability-history-month-events-to-take-place-along-the-national-cycle-network-in-scotland/